What is Process Technology?

Building materials, jet fuel, metals, and plastics - all are products of process technology. Process technology involves every aspect of chemical processing: extracting and refining chemicals such as oil and natural gas, refining them, and carefully monitoring the process that makes it happen. Special instrumentation, pumps, turbines, and compressors are designed to monitor and separate the chemicals that make up countless products we use everyday.

Process technology spans many industries. Power plants depend on it to maximize output and minimize emissions. Waste- and water-treatment plants use it to monitor industrial waste, environmental impact, and human health and safety. In the pharmaceutical industry, it's even used to develop the coating on aspirin.

The Need

Local industry is predicting a large turnover of Process Technicians between 2005 and 2011. Over the last 20 years, the Process Technician's job has become very demanding. The equipment is complex and is now mostly controlled by computers. The Process Technician must be able to work in teams, react to situations rapidly, and handle stressful situations. There are currently about 2000 people enrolled in Process Technician training programs on the Gulf Coast, with a demand of over 10,000 jobs in the next 5 years.

The Opportunity

Current starting pay rates for a Process Technician with an associates degree is about $50,000 per year. Moderate overtime will raise this number to $65,000 - $70,000 per year. The College of the Mainland closely partners with the local industry to insure the right competencies are being taught in the classroom. College of the Mainland students have been extremely successful in their new jobs. Several of the students have set new records on entrance exams given by the local industry. The placement rate of the College of the Mainland students after graduation is over 90%.