The discussion about workforce development occurs frequently in boardrooms and classrooms all over Ohio, and in particular the eastern part of our state. One of the biggest questions is, How do we replace our aging workforce? Ohio’s growing shale oil and gas industry — which continues to grow — is no different.

Of course, one of the best ways to attract new and talented people is to get their attention early by giving them access to information and opportunities to get engaged. The good news? There are now three groups in Ohio doing just that.

The newest is Young Professionals in Energy, whose Ohio chapter is based in Canton and is led by Stacy Ineman, who also works for Canton-based Purple Land Management. The goal of YPE is to catch the eye of those thinking about or have already begun a career in the energy industry, and it provides information about upcoming energy-themed events, in addition to facilitating networking opportunities among its membership.

A second group is the Youngstown Shale Energy Organization, a new student organization at Youngstown State University, that will seek to educate both students and the public about the oil and gas industry and its growing operations nationwide. Two YSU geology students, Marcy Angelo and Lauren Tadla, along with environmental science student Sarah Perrine, took a cue from a similar group at Ohio State University. Angelo gave the Youngstown Vindicator some additional details:

This will not be a biased group, we’re not going to be telling people our views. You don’t have to be a geology, business or chemistry major. Anyone can join as long as they’re a student–Marcy Angelo (YSU students start shale group, 4/4/13)

Last but not least we have the Buckeye Shale Energy Organization at OSU. These students have actually been meeting for more than a year, taking time to meet with companies in Ohio that are hiring graduates to work directly for the natural gas industry. They have held several networking events with key leaders throughout the industry and supply chain, and are also tied into the subsurface energy research center at OSU.

All three groups share a similar focus, which is to find, engage, and promote today’s students and young professionals so that they become tomorrow’s leaders. As a recent report indicates, almost 40,000 new jobs are in Ohio are because of the development of Utica shale, and there are many more to follow. Student and young professional organizations like the ones highlighted above play a critical role in connecting employers with the next generation of geologists, engineers, scientists, and many other professions.

The fact that these groups are growing in number and membership — and in Ohio specifically — is a testament to the value and significance that the oil and gas industry will play in our state for decades to come.

Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about what types of careers are available in the oil and gas industry, be sure to check out our updated list.

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