Paper: W. Hoxie Smith, Midland College

Today the oil and gas industry is on the front end of a serious labor shortage, with an impending loss of senior expertise to retirement. University programs in petroleum engineering and the geosciences have declined in enrollment as a result of reduced hiring by oil and gas companies. The industry has a poor public relations image that further alienates young talent. Education will play a key role in solving the serious labor shortage that already affects domestic oil and gas operations. Short-term, companies will need to provide incentives to keep talented professionals working longer. Long-term solutions may include outreach programs to high school and college students; industry's role may include summer jobs and intern programs to encourage students to pursue oil and gas careers. Ultimately, industry, government and academia will need to work together to make meaningful headway in assuring a viable workforce for the domestic oil and gas industry.