The first classes in a new Gas Measurement certificate program at Barton Community College will start Aug. 6, said Mike Baugh, instructor and coordinator of Barton’s natural gas technician program. Students will attend class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and can complete the 30-credit-hour program before December.
Electricians were at Barton’s Midwest Utility and Pipeline Training Center last week, putting the final touches on a lab that will feature equipment that is actually used in the gas measurement field today, Baugh said. A 30-foot trailer that will serve as a mobile training unit will be delivered to the college in about two weeks. “It will have everything the stationary site has,” he said.
The college already offers a  Gas Pipeline Tech curriculum developed with input from regional gas pipeline companies. It is available as a certificate program or as an Associate of Applied Science degree program.
“The original program is a more comprehensive program (than Gas Measurement),” Baugh said. That program is so popular that enrollment for the fall semester is already full.
“Students that start out with Gas Tech would do well to go on to Gas Measurement. There is a lot of advanced technology in this.” However, the college is accepting enrollments from students who have not taken earlier pipeline technology courses. This career path is ideal for someone who enjoys being outside and hands-on work and repairs.
The Gas Measurement Tech Program  was developed by a group of natural gas operating companies that own the curriculum, Baugh said. It was designed to realistically reflect the actual working skills required by gas measurement technicians in the industry.
The new program has been in the works for three years, and was made possible by a State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grant. Earlier this year, Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George announced students who are unemployed, underemployed, veterans or economically disadvantaged may receive a full scholarship for this program through KansasWorks.
“This is a great opportunity for someone just entering the workforce or for someone looking to make a career change,” George said. “Gas measurement technicians can earn a median starting wage of $30,000 to $40,000 per year, while gas measurement specialists (senior employees) can earn $60,000 to $70,000 per year.” It is considered a field with plenty of expected job openings and career advancement potential.
Gas measurement technicians are critical to natural gas companies as they ensure that accurate measurements occur within the natural gas transportation system. Job candidates who are graduates of this certificate program will stand out from other job candidates because it is recognized by the industry, Baugh said.
For more information, contact Baugh at baughm@bartonccc.edu or 866-813-2462 or visit naturalgas.bartonccc.edu.