SkillsReady by API
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is committed to preparing the next generation of energy workers for a rewarding career in the natural gas and oil industry.
Upstream
Midstream
Downstream
Service & Supply Companies
Program Highlights
SkillsReady by API curriculum provides foundational industry knowledge combined with skills-based training to prepare participants for entry-level operational jobs in the energy sector. The program provides an overview of the natural gas and oil supply chain inclusive of hydrocarbon basics, segment operations and an understanding of basic facility operations. Courses cover safety procedures and concepts, critical equipment utilized at facilities and general operational processes that are applicable to all industry segments.
Program Advantages for Course Participants
- Curriculum designed and supported by leading energy companies
- Instruction and insight from experts in energy operations
- Industry-recognized API Certificate of Completion endorsing participants’ knowledge of natural gas and oil operations
Built with input from experts across all segments of the oil and gas industry, the curriculum provides the essential knowledge and training for individuals seeking or beginning entry-level positions. With the main objective of building a culture of safety from day one on the job, SkillsReady by API is the orientation to the industry that will set new employees for success.
The full curriculum is broken down into 6 modules: (1) Foundations of the Oil and Gas Industry; (2) Basic Safety; (3) Equipment Identification, Usage, and Maintenance; (4) Basic Systems Principles; (5) Inspection, and (6) Quality Management Systems. Each module contains 5-8 lessons. Those lessons include:
Module 1
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | The Role of Oil and Gas in Society, (Economics and Necessity) |
| Lesson 2 | Introduction to Hydrocarbons, (Product Transition, & Properties) |
| Lesson 3 | History of Production, Transportation & Refining |
| Lesson 4 | Basic Understanding of Oil and Gas Production |
| Lesson 5 | Exploration and Production Risks |
| Lesson 6 | Oil and Gas Supply and Demand, Energy Consumption and Price |
Module 2
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | Understanding a Safety Culture |
| Lesson 2 | Review of General Safety Rules |
| Lesson 3 | Recognizing Behavioral Safety |
| Lesson 4 | Personal vs Process Safety |
| Lesson 5 | Identification of Environmental Hazards |
| Lesson 6 | Understanding 5 x 5 or Job Safety Analysis |
| Lesson 7 | Understanding Trapped Energy |
| Lesson 8 | Understanding Energy Isolation |
| Lesson 9 | Understanding Lock out/tag out |
Module 3
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | Introduction to Maintenance Philosophy |
| Lesson 2 | Identification of Pipes, Valves and Fittings |
| Lesson 3 | Identification of Plant Equipment |
| Lesson 4 | Introduction to Maintenance Application |
| Lesson 5 | Introduction to Process Control and Automation |
Module 4
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | Introduction to Industrial Electricity |
| Lesson 2 | Introduction to Fluid Power Dynamics |
| Lesson 3.1 | Introduction to Pressure Measurement |
| Lesson 3.2 | Understanding Industrial Electronics |
| Lesson 4 | Programmable Controllers |
| Lesson 5 | Cyber Security Awareness |
Module 5
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | Basics of Non-Destructive Testing |
| Lesson 2 | The 8 Most Common NDT Methods |
| Lesson 3 | The Future of Testing and Inspection |
Module 6
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | Introduction to Quality Management Systems |
| Lesson 2 | What is Risk Assessment and Risk Management |
| Lesson 3 | Introduction to Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions |
| Lesson 4 | Technical Reporting and Effective Communication |
Empowering Communities through workforce training in the energy sector.
Participants will build career skills and be prepared for in-demand, entry-level positions in all segments of the oil and natural gas industry.
Why become a training host?
Hosts support workforce development in their communities and gain access to a pipeline of newly trained, entry-level talent. API strengthens industry workforce readiness through collaboration with trusted local partners.
How to become a host:
The program can be implemented at no-cost by community-based organizations, workforce boards, or educational institutions in classroom or hybrid formats, removing financial barriers to workforce training for your community.
API provides organizations:
- training materials and e-learning modules.
- promotional templates and outreach support.
- completion data and feedback to measure community impact.
Standardized training | Faster onboarding | Workforce-ready talent
SkillsReady by API is an easily implemented job-readiness training program for oil and natural gas organizations that builds career skills and provides introductory knowledge for entry-level roles in upstream, midstream, downstream, and service and supply companies.
Curriculum was designed with input from energy leaders to address the unique needs and most in-demand skills based on field research, market projections, and workforce data.
The full curriculum, along with all need course materials and access to all online courses, are available for a licensing fee. Fill out the interest form below and API will be in touch with more information.
What's Next?
Learn More
- Learn about the array of jobs that make up the oil and gas industry
- SkillsReady by API Featured in Industry News Publications
- Quality Matters Podcast hosted by Texas Quality Assurance
- Preparing Youth for a Career in Oil and Gas with Sean Thomas, Senior Manager of Training and Development at API
- Power to Empower: Watch a short video on API’s additional workforce development initiatives