New Program in Process Technology Created at Middlesex County College
Jun 7, 2007
A new program is being offered at Middlesex County College that can lead to high-paying jobs in the process technology industry. Centered in the gas, oil and pharmaceutical industries, process technicians control and monitor equipment, analyze, evaluate and communicate data, and work with process instruments.
Starting salaries can be as much as $50,000 with the potential to earn more than $70,000 after three years of experience.
“A combination of events has created these opportunities,” said Dr. Diane Trainor, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Middlesex. “First, we anticipate a large group of people retiring over the next five to seven years. In New Jersey alone, we estimate that there will be 30,000 to 40,000 vacancies over the next five years. And second, the skills required to operate the plant process equipment have increased. The industries want their process technicians to have associate’s degrees.”
The need for qualified employees is so great that the Center for the Advancement of Process Technology approached the College about starting the program.
Classes include Introduction to Process Technology, Computer Applications, Process Technology Operations and Quality, as well as a co-operative education experience.
The Process Technology program at Middlesex officially began in December of 2006, and is now recruiting students for the fall semester.
“This is a wonderful opportunity in a growth industry,” Dr. Trainor said. “These are excellent jobs with excellent companies.”
