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MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) -Midland College is adding two new programs.

The new automation and natural gas compressions courses will help Midland College address workforce needs in the Permian basin.

Automotive and local gas technicians are common positions needed in West Texas.

Both programs will serve as a pipeline for students to enter the workforce.

Both programs have been in the works for about a year now after Midland College received phone calls from employers about needing more workers.

“We are trying to fill that need with the amount of automation and INE techs we have in the area. It’s one of the most common questions we get as far as, hey i need automation techs, I need INE techs. It is a big need in the area, and we are trying to address it as best as possible.” said Midland College Assistant professor of Petroleum Technology Anthony Cummins.

Natural gas is a big sector in the Permian basin.

It continues to grow, and it will need more local gas technicians in the future.

“The Permian basin’s need for technicians and natural gas compressions is going to grow. We estimate somewhere between seven-hundred fifty to a thousand technicians within the next ten years.” said Midland College Department of Chair Erick Gutierrez.

The programs work hand in hand with each other.

“There is some overlap there. They are stackable credentials and certificates. Students who come in at an entry-level can get the basic courses needed to go into specific pathways in compression.” said Erick Gutierrez.

Both programs’ ultimate goal is to give students hands-on experience to succeed in the workforce.

“We want to expose them to as much of these software systems and as much of these hands-on skills so they can see this stuff so they can really hit the ground running when they go into these entry-level positions.” said Anthony Cummins.

Students can earn associate degrees in both programs and earn an entry-level job once they graduate from Midland College.

Both programs will start in August this year.