PETEX Launches New Land Management Certificate Program in Austin, Houston and San Antonio

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Petroleum Extension Service (PETEX(R)) is proud to announce the launch of its new Professional Land Management Certificate Program in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. Workers involved in land-related activities or those interested in opportunities as professional "landmen" may enroll in this training program to either enhance their skills or prepare for a new career in the oil and gas industry. A "landman" negotiates for the mineral rights on a piece of land on behalf of either the property owner or an oil or gas company. This training also extends to other oil and gas industry professionals such as attorneys, accountants and current land professionals to help them learn and understand the latest "best practices" in this area. PETEX is a component of Continuing and Innovative Education at The University of Texas at Austin.

"Before there can be an oil or gas well, there must be a landman (or woman) to ensure a proper lease is secured between the landowner and the driller so minerals can be extracted legally and fairly from the land. Otherwise it's a deal-breaker," commented John Hoopingarner, director of PETEX. "With the recent rise in drilling projects in Texas, this means companies need more land professionals - but there aren't enough of them to go around. This program intends to create more qualified candidates for these jobs, so that these projects can stay on schedule with trained, skilled landmen to oversee them. "

"There will be many new opportunities for land management professionals in the development of shale plays across Texas where companies are applying for drilling permits and new jobs," said Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald, the instructor of the program. "This activity shows promise of being an important economic generator, and I am pleased to be associated with PETEX to help educate the workforce needed to support these efforts." Dr. Fitzpatrick is an attorney, land management consultant, university scholar and accomplished author with degrees in law, business and education.

"We are delighted to be working with Dr. Fitzgerald who is an industry leader in the field and well known from his 30 years of service to the industry," added Hoopingarner. "In just one semester, participants learn what's needed to perform on the job, and many will boost their job prospects in this arena. It's also a wonderful opportunity for other oil and gas professionals to enroll in the program so they may stay informed to the latest challenges, regulations and nuances that landmen face on the job."

For more information, contact Debby Denehy at 512-471-9969. For program enrollment information, visit http://www.utexas.edu/ce/petex/our_courses/plm_cert or call 800-687-7052.

About PETEX:

In 1944, the Texas state legislature mandated that The University of Texas at Austin provide training to oil and gas industry workers, resulting in the establishment of the Petroleum Extension Service (PETEX). For 67 years, PETEX has earned a strong, industry-wide reputation as the trainer of choice through its quality programs, strong client relationships and access to the educational resources at the university. For more information about PETEX, please visit http://www.petex.org.  

About Continuing and Innovative Education:

Continuing and Innovative Education (CIE) has a 100-year history of extending the resources of the university to anyone with a desire to learn. CIE is made up of the K-16 Education Center, Petroleum Extension Service, Professional Development Center, Thompson Conference Center, University of Texas-University Charter School and University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.utexas.edu/cie/stories.  

Contact: Wayne Wenske, Continuing and Innovative Education (CIE), 512-232-7392, [email protected]

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SOURCE Continuing and Innovative Education