There are many opportunities in the Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution industry for those with a strong technical background. A degree from Barton Community College gives the individual the skills necessary for employment with minimal "on the job training” by the company. Technicians are needed for corrosion control, gas measurement, instrumentation and electrical controls, pipeline construction, and programmable logic controller (PLC) programming.
The Transmission & Distribution Technician program provides training in comprehensive gas industry technologies recommended by regional gas pipeline companies. A 35-credit hour certificate and a 64-credit Associate of Applied Science degree are available.
Getting Started
Get started with the Natural Gas program by starting the application process!
Why Barton?
- Industry driven program and curriculum
- Faculty and trainers directly from industry
- Technology driven program; cutting edge equipment
- Accelerated program – students complete initial certificate training in 16 weeks. Class sessions meet Monday-Friday (all day each day)
- Additional certificate training and an Associate of Applied Science degree available
- Students recruited right out of the classroom by industry
- Hands-on training
- Paid internships/apprenticeships
Curriculum Guides
Curriculum Guides
Certificates
Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution (35 credit hours)
Associate of Applied Science (64 hour - Two-Year, Non-Transfer degree)
Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution (Degree Guide)
Check out the Course Search for a full listing of courses available.
Natural Gas Admission Application Process
Natural Gas Admission Application Process
Getting Started - Step by Step
- Complete Barton Admissions Form. If you are a current student with a different major, you must also complete the Request for Advisor Form - visit the Academic Advising webpage for more information. Please visit the Business Office to complete a Completion Intent Form and submit to Financial Aid.
- Submit documentation that shows eligibility for Technical Math and Business English. If you need to take one of the placement tests, please contact the Learning Resource Center on campus to make an appointment. No fee for the test.
- Submit completed transcript(s) - Completed transcripts must be mailed directly to Barton Admissions Office to be considered official. Unofficial transcripts can be used for advising and obtaining academic information (GPA, ACT Scores, etc)
- Housing Application - If housing is required, submit the housing application and deposit early to get your first choice!
- Financial Aid - Never rule out the cost of going to college. Visit the FAFSA website for federal assistance. If you plan to pay as you go, the Tuition Payment Plan may be an option. Visit the Financial Aid page for more scholarships and aid information.
- Work hard. Have fun. Graduate!
For general Admissions questions, please contact the Admissions Office at (800) 722-6842 or (620) 792-9286, or visit the Admissions page.
Job Opportunities and Industry Partners
Job Opportunities and Industry Partners
The natural gas transportation system consists of a complex pipeline network designed to quickly and efficiently transport natural gas from its origin to areas of high demand. The storage of natural gas is linked to its transportation. Should the natural gas being transported not be required immediately, it is held at storage facilities until needed.
Distribution is the final step in delivering natural gas to end-users. Many large industrial, commercial, and electric energy consumers receive natural gas directly via high-capacity pipelines. The resource delivery is usually contracted through natural gas marketing companies. Most users, however, receive natural gas from a local distribution company (LDC). LDCs are companies involved in resource delivery to consumers within a specific geographic area.
Find information below on Natural Gas related Job Opportunities and Industry Partners.
Job Opportunities
Check out Indeed.com for a full list of Natural Gas job opportunities!
Industry Partners
Learn more about Industry Partners by clicking on the links to visit their websites below.
Aerotek
Atmos Energy
Chesapeake Energy
Colorado Natural Gas
Kinder Morgan
Midwest Energy
Southern Star
Williams
Occupational Outlook
Occupational Outlook
- High Demand, High Skill, High Wage Occupation
- Nearly half of the utilities workforce will be nearing retirement age within the next 10 years, resulting in excellent opportunities for qualified entrants.
- Persons with college training or advanced technical education will have the best employment opportunities
Career Options
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Plant Operator, Compressor Operator, Field Operator, Liquefied Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator), Pipeline Technician, Production Technician, Pipeline Systems Operator.