According to the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, oil rigs typically operate 24 hours every day with six men to a crew and two crews to a rig. As the oil and gas industry expands and retirement increases, the demand for workers should increase.
Located in Casper, Wyoming, McMurry Regional Training Center offers hands-on training. The International Association of Drilling Contractors' Rig Pass Training offers an accredited certification for companies or individuals. This is a one-day class covering topics such as certified protective equipment/clothing; certified lockout-tagout; certified permit required; certified fire protection and prevention; certified fall protection; certified first aid/CPR; electrical and fire safety awareness; stairways; excavations; and any other OSHA required courses. Patterson-UTI and the training center joined forces to provide basic Derrick Hand Training. This includes learning how to latch and unlatch pipe; running drill pipe and collars; and the tie off of tubulars. This course includes both classroom courses and "hands-on" training using a derrick training simulator.
Located in Casper, this college is one of a handful of schools in the United States training technicians in extractive resources technology. The program offers students a wide range of skills that are essential for technicians who want to work in the petroleum and natural gas service, production, transportation and refining industries. Casper College offers a two-year associate of applied science degree or a one-year certificate in the area of extractive resources technology.
Located in Rock Springs, Western Wyoming Community College offers a degree in oil and gas production technology. The core course curriculum prepares students for a career as a production technician. The program was developed in partnership with the oil and gas industry so it would meet the industry's employment standards. The school also maintains the Western Wyoming Community College Oilfield Training Center.