By Mark Smith, Mechanical Integrity Specialist, Targa Resources

There’s a conversation our industry needs to have. As I interact with midstream colleagues, I’m hearing companies across NDT, inspection, and mechanical integrity, saying the same thing:

“We can’t find experienced technicians.”

But experience doesn’t just appear overnight. Someone has to develop it.

One of the problems is that that we’ve spent decades telling young people that the only path to success is a four-year college degree. While college is a great option for many, it’s not the only path to a stable, long-term, rewarding career. Industries like NDT, welding inspection, electrical trades, and mechanical integrity offer career opportunities that many young people never even hear about.

These careers provide:

  • Strong earning potential
  • Highly specialized technical skills
  • Opportunities to work on critical infrastructure
  • Careers directly tied to safety, reliability, and energy security

Yet the flow of new technicians through the talent pipeline has become a trickle instead of a torrent.

Part of the challenge is cultural. Many organizations want experienced people, but fewer are investing in training the next generation. Developing those professionals takes time, mentorship, and companies willing to support people with the right attitude and work ethic.

If we want to close the gap, we need to start doing a few things differently:

  • Encourage young people to explore trade and technical careers
  • Invest in training pipelines and mentorship
  • Value potential and attitude, not just years of experience
  • Promote the importance of skilled trades in maintaining safe and reliable facilities
  • Get involved with GPA Midstream committees and participate in enhancing the association’s workforce development curriculum.

The future of our industry depends on the next generation of technicians and inspectors.

The question is: What more can we do to find them and develop them?

Mark Smith is a Mechanical Integrity Specialist at GPA Midstream member Targa Resources. He has more than two decades of experience in inspection, nondestructive testing (NDT), and asset integrity across the energy industry. He’s a member of the GPA Midstream Industry Facility Mechanical Integrity Committee.