The PSP, PetroSkills and PETEX partner to launch Catalyst workforce project
Project seeks to evaluate educational infrastructure and training resources to create integrated curriculum aligned with workforce needs
MIDLAND, TX (June 1, 2021) – The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP), PetroSkills and University of Texas Petroleum Extension (PETEX) have joined together to develop the Catalyst workforce development program, a first-of-its-kind initiative to both assess existing educational curriculums and design a platform for future standardization and workforce integration. Funded by an initial investment of $775,000 from the PSP, the program’s goal is to align industry training needs with the educational and training ecosystem’s ability to deliver those skills.
Engagement with our community, regional partners and school districts has shown us that there is a disconnect between educational curriculum and skills the industry is looking for in employee recruitment. Development of the Catalyst program was spurred by the understanding that our workforce demographics are changing, and we have the opportunity to ensure we are cultivating a pool of qualified, well-prepared and immediately employable candidates, said Tracee Bentley, President and CEO of the PSP. Workforce development is a key area of focus for the Permian Strategic Partnership; by strengthening our prospects today, we are building a more resilient workforce for the future.
The initial phase of the three-phased program focuses first on engagement by bringing together existing institutions and providers to assess the current state of programs available in the Permian Basin region. Phase one seeks to define the skills necessary for the region’s future workforce, build an asset map of the current education/training ecosystem, and use those to perform a gap analysis that will inform future program updates and investments. By identifying gaps and assessing the current system’s capacity for growth, the group can then pivot into the program’s second phase to support schools and fund engaging opportunities that drive interest for students and potential members of the workforce. The group will provide progress updates as relevant.
For over 75 years, PETEX has been dedicated to bringing industry-aligned talent development resources to the oil and gas community to help proficiently prepare individuals to enter, advance, and excel in the workforce, said Dr. Eric Roe, Executive Director of PETEX and Cockrell School of Engineering Assistant Dean. With the PSP Catalyst Project, we gain an acute understanding of both the industry’s current and projected workforce competencies and the learning outcomes and capacities of the education and training providers in the Permian Basin. We are proud to be a part of this collaborative project and look forward to serving and supporting industry and education to prepare and sustain the energy workforce.
PetroSkills is honored to partner with PETEX and the PSP in support of the Catalyst initiative, commented Ron Hinn, PetroSkills EVP. Through Catalyst, Permian Basin students and residents will be better equipped to enjoy successful careers across a variety of energy sector roles that are in high-demand.