Skills Gap Bootcamp Partnerships
Let’s Partner!
The ‘‘skills gap’’ in the United States is serious and it threatens the oil and gas industry. Poaching talent from competitors will not help this industry overcome a significant talent shortage created by a technical skills gap, retirements, turnover and rising labor demand.
Let’s partner to create skills gap bootcamps that work for everyone. We are exploring corporate partnerships to launch skills gap bootcamps in hot spot locations where talent shortages in oil and gas industries remain prevalent. Here’s an example of what a seven week Waukesha* engine-based bootcamp might look like to develop the next generation of skilled workers.
Skills Gap Bootcamp – 7 Week Example
Week One - Exploration to Pipeline
Students will receive an overview of the oil and gas industry and introduction to the technology of gaseous fueled engines. Students will visit a gas compression site and learn directly from the operators what to expect working in this exciting field.
Week Two – Gas Engine Technology
Students will learn gaseous fueled engine technology in detail. In addition, they will experience live preventative maintenance and fuel system tune up demonstrations on an industrial gas engine.
Week Three – The VGF Engine Family
Here students will participate in an in-shop overhaul and learn the specifics of Waukesha’s VGF gas engines. We will visit a local remanufacturing facility and learn tips and tricks from technicians performing the overhaul. In addition, students will learn about life skills and gain a greater appreciation for the work-life balance of an employee in the gas and oil industries.
Week Four – The VHP Engine Family
With a mix of theory and hands-on engine workshop experience students will learn why the VHP engine has long been Waukesha’s most popular gas engine. We will also travel to the gas fields to see how an in-place, fast paced overhaul differs from a more conventional top-to-bottom overhaul and upgrade.
Week Five - The Engine System Manager (ESM)
The Engine System Manager (ESM) is Waukesha’s electronic control total engine control system, used on almost all Waukesha products. Students will gain hands-on software programming experience with the ESM, and experience what is involved in a startup of a newly rebuilt or newly placed gas engine, from first crank to full rated load.
Week Six – Control Wiring and Engine Tuning
Students will learn our troubleshooting approach, with special emphasis on the ESM system and interpreting wiring diagrams. They’ll gain first-hand experience applying their knowledge as an engine is tuned for lowest exhaust emissions to comply with local regulations.
Week Seven – Putting it All Together (Expectations)
Students will learn about safety, environmental and workplace regulations, as well as the technical reporting and documentation necessary on the job. They will meet with business owners in an open forum as we discuss such topics as customer service expectations and career options for the transferrable skills they have acquired. All students will be invited to participate in the bootcamp’s final exam and review of their results.
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