PetroEd Launches Free Online Oilfield Training Program for High School Students - Press Release

PetroEd Online Oilfield Training for High School Students

For the first time, PetroEd® is providing access to the industry’s most popular on-line oilfield education courses--without cost--to qualifying students through the Open Petroleum Education Network (OPEN™).

The courses in OPEN are chalk-full of engaging multimedia, 3d animations and interactive learning that resonates with today's generation of visual learners.

“High paying petroleum industry jobs await...but you have to graduate.”

The OPEN initiative provides educational institutions and students worldwide with immediate access to best-in-class multimedia learning materials for the oil and natural gas industry at little or no cost. The OPEN program offers supplemental multimedia learning materials. In today’s frenzied market for skilled engineers, many instructors find themselves deluged with students seeking degrees in petroleum-related programs; they may not have sufficient resources and time to handle the capacity. OPEN allows students to take on-line courses before attending petroleum related classes.

About PetroEd

The OPEN initiative is PetroEd's sustainability program launched in 2010 with founding sponsor SGS in Geneva, Switzerland; the program allows selected universities access to premium quality on-line educational material focused on technical oil and natural gas operations. We are now introducing the course at the secondary school level.

To Learn More or Enroll Contact

Cameron Thompson 713-461-5200 cthompson@petroed.com

The article above was published through EagleFordShale.com’s press release distribution service. Learn more about Eagle Ford Advertising Here.

Must-Know Items for Truck Drivers in the Eagle Ford

Earlier this year we wrote a series of stories about the federal government’s efforts to regulate the training of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. For 28 years, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has attempted to standardize training requirements for entry level drivers (ELDT).

We Need Safer Roads, But...

DMC Instructor & Student

There have been several heated conversations from trucking industry leaders, educators and safety advocates on what is a sufficient standard that will actually keep our roadways safer. Everyone agrees that implementing something to reduce accidents would be a good thing, but there are many opinions on how it should be done. Suggestions have ranged from enforcing stricter testing procedures by demonstrating performance based standards to an actual set number of hours that an individual must complete before obtaining their commercial driver’s license (CDL), as well as where and how the training can be performed.

On September 19th, 2013 the proposed federal rule was withdrawn because of over 700 comments sent to FMCSA stating several major concerns on how the ruling would negatively affect the industry. Protestors stated that the proposed ruling would do little to improve safety as requested by the federal courts.

The proposed rule may not have become law but the issue is far from dead. So here we go again. FMCSA is going back to the drawing board to research how safety can be measured among all drivers and what ruling can they implement to ensure the roadways will be safer.

Beyond the CDL Knowledge & Skills Test

[ic-r]The Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas has energized the Texas economy and provided many high paying jobs. The majority of them require a CDL. To get one you have to take knowledge and skills tests. To pass them requires a little preparation. Individuals seeking employment in the Eagle Ford are preparing for their CDL tests with training at truck driving schools at their local colleges, private for-profit schools or in company training programs. Some use self-guided study paired with borrowing Uncle John’s truck.

You may find a school or company offering “training” that seems quick and easy. You’ll be given copies of test questions from DPS, told to study them and get your CDL permit. Then you will be allowed to practice with a truck before scheduling your skills test at DPS. Sounds like a bargain and a fast track to starting your driving career but you should think twice. That is not training, and it could get you in trouble very quickly. You may find that inadequate training leads to ruining your driving record, wrecking your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score and preventing employment with good carriers that have strict standards.

Getting a CDL is just a start. Licensed CMV drivers have a huge responsibility. There’s much more to becoming a professional driver than just studying the test questions, meeting the basic requirements and squeaking through a driving test. You might think you could learn anything else you need through trial and error, but those errors could be deadly to your fellow drivers, even to you.

FMCSA may have withdrawn the ELT proposed rule at this time but don't let that stop you from making sure you have all the information to succeed. Have respect for yourself and your career. Make an investment in thorough training. You want to be doing this for a long time.

Free Training Offered to Halt Transportation Deaths - Press Release

In response to the high number of transportation related deaths amongst Texas oil and gas workers, Safety Services Company is offering a free online training program in driver safety.

“It is not only important to ensure your employees understand safety while at the workplace, but while driving home from the workplace also,” said Safety Services Company spokesman Michael Rich.

Since 2009, 40 oil and gas workers in Texas have lost their lives while navigating public roads either to or from work.

However, the hazard isn’t confined by the state boundaries of Texas.

A 2013 study published by the Accident Analysis & Prevention Journal, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, found that oil and gas workers are 8.5 more times likely to die in a motor vehicle crashes while on the job than those in other businesses. Reasons for the heightened deaths on the roads ways steam from the fact that oilfield workers often work long hours and must navigate more treacherous roadways to get to isolated work locations.

“Many of these workers are young men who simply are not aware of the potential for death on the roadway,” Rich said. “We want to educate them on these hazards to help save their lives.”

To facilitate this education Safety Services Company is encouraging the owners of companies who work in the oil and gas sector to require their employees to complete a driver safety program.

“Whether they take it through us for free, or get it somewhere else all that is important is that these employees get the training they need,” Rich said.

To take advantage of safety services free training course call 877-427-1503.

For more information visit - www.safetyservicescompany.com

The article above was published through EagleFordShale.com’s press release distribution service. Learn more about Eagle Ford Advertising Here.

Good CDL Drivers Needed in the Eagle Ford Shale Play

18 Wheeler Side Shot Del Mar College

South Texas has had a huge CDL driver shortage even before Eagle Ford Shale. Currently there are 150,000 CDL drivers needed nationwide. The American Trucking Associations have predicted the driver shortage will jump to 300,000 by the year 2014. Many companies are finding it more and more challenging to attract experienced CDL drivers due to the huge demand. CDL holders are held to a much higher standard than regular licensed drivers and must keep their driving records in good standing.

Hiring good experienced drivers is very challenging because companies have to be especially strict about driving records, accidents and Department of Transportation violations. This is because of CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores. CSA was established to keep accurate statistics of accidents, DOT violations, unsafe equipment and driving habits. CSA scores the safety performance of both the driver and the driver’s company. If a driver receives an unsatisfactory vehicle inspection and receives a violation, it will stay on the individual’s CSA score for three years and the company  that employed the driver at the time for two years. Under CSA’s new system that score will travel with the driver to whatever company the driver may transfer to over those three years. Having a negative CSA score increases the chance of receiving a DOT audit and can be very costly to both the driver and the employer.

South Texas CDL Training Programs Need to Utilized

Many companies have resorted to hiring inexperienced drivers to try and keep up with the workload. Inexperienced drivers could be a high risk if they did not receive adequate training from a credible CDL training program that teaches them how to be a safe, law abiding driver. Unfortunately there are some instances where a company will offer to train inexperienced drivers. In many cases these individuals are not successful because they are taught only how to pass the CDL test given at their local Department of Public Safety. However, there’s more to know to be able to drive a truck safely and efficiently. For example, drivers must know hours-of-service regulations and have to maintain a log book. Since hours of service isn’t tested it’s a subject that’s rarely taught in a CDL-prep-only program, but it’s vital to being able to operate a heavy commercial motor vehicle safely and legally.

Drivers must follow many federal and state rules and regulations which undergo frequent updating and changes. Not understanding their responsibilities can ruin drivers’ CSA scores quickly making them unemployable. Transport companies are in the business of transporting items; they’re not educators. Schools and training programs specialize in and have the experience and tools to give people a thorough education consistent with current industry and government requirements. [ic-c]

How to Choose a CDL Training Program

When researching a credible CDL training program to attend here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Is the training program approved though your state or is it a crash course?
2. Does the program offer classroom training that teaches the State and Federal Safety Regulations?
3. Does the training curriculum include hours of service and vehicle inspection practices?
4. How much time is offered behind the wheel for backing and road driving?
5. After completing the training, what companies will hire their students and do graduates receive a training certificate?

Good training is an investment that lasts for a lifetime of safe and rewarding driving. Professional drivers get the best and most thorough training they can. They understand that they owe it to themselves, their employers and the people with whom they share the road.

Eagle Ford Shale - Professional Skills Needed - South Texas is Stepping Up

There are literally thousands of open Eagle Ford jobs in South Texas and the only thing holding the oil & gas industry back is skilled professionals. Many of the colleges in the area are developing specialized programs to help equip students with the skills needed to work in the oil & gas industry.  It's just a start, but local colleges will be instrumental in making sure the industry can fill the 70,000+ jobs that will be created over the next 10 years. If you are considering a change in career or might want to further your education, visit our Eagle Ford Shale Oil & Gas Training and Education page to find colleges and degree programs near you.

Everyone from accountants to IT professionals to scientists need advanced degrees. Even truck drivers need a commercial license gained through hours of class.

"This industry does not just need short term workers, they need long term workers and they need people that are educated and trained," said Castaneda.

So the solution for many lies in going back to school. Local programs are working with the industry to develop students qualified to work. Two years of schooling might seem like a lot, but Castaneda says the jobs will be there for a while.

Watch a short video at ksat.com