Oil & Gas Jobs, Education Programs Abound in Stark and Carroll Counties, and Throughout Ohio

A recent article by Energy In Depth highlighted good news on the oil and gas job front in the State of Ohio. EID highlighted a report from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services showing that between 2011 and 2015 shale accounted for more 180,000 new jobs per year statewide.

With that kind of job market, the article pointed out, shale-related businesses grew by more than 40 percent during the same period. And, with shale-related jobs paying an average of $75,000 a year, compared to a $46,000 average for other industries in the state, the economic impact of shale-related job growth is readily evident.

Educational institutions have taken note in recent years. Stark State College in Canton offers specialized training for the industry through its oil and gas programs, which include associate's degrees, one-year certificates, short-term offerings, and noncredit courses. And Marlington High School in Alliance offers an oil and gas technology program through its Career Technical Education department.

Despite the downturn in the global oil and gas industry in recent years, progress continues in Ohio, as the jobs report indicates. With more skilled workers entering the workforce from local and statewide institutions, the workforce will keep up with the job market, with the net result being the strengthening of local economies through lower unemployment numbers and a higher tax base.