West Virginia Northern Community College introduces new compressor mechanic program

West Virginia Northern Community College has added a new program to its roster: compressor mechanic. The program will train students to become adept at performing maintenance and diagnosing issues with compressor systems in industrial environments. The program will officially begin in the Fall 2025 semester, though students can begin taking classes in the Applied Technology degree program now and transfer into the Compressor Mechanic program when it opens next fall.

According to an article on West Virginia Northern Community College’s website, Curt Hippensteel, who serves as the Division Chair for Applied Technology at the school, shared his enthusiasm for the new program. He is quoted as saying, “Our program is designed to provide students with hands-on training and the skills needed to enter the oil and gas industry as a compressor mechanic. Some students come to Northern unsure of their specific career choice.  This particular program provides them with a fantastic living wage career opportunity.”

The new program was developed in partnership with various industry companies and businesses, including MPLX, Enerflex Ltd., Innio Waukesha, Greenetech Manufacturing Co., Murphy, Insana, and WPI. MPLX donated much of the equipment that students in the program will be training on to ensure they are working with the industry standard equipment they will use in the field.

Tina Rush, who serves as the Advisor of Community and Government Relations at MPLX, said of the partnership and new program, “We are thrilled to support WVNCC’s Compressor Mechanic program by donating equipment and sharing our expertise. This initiative aligns with our commitment to workforce development and ensuring that the next generation of compressor mechanics is ready to meet the industry’s needs.”

The compressor mechanic program will help students train to become natural gas compressor mechanics in industrial settings, such as in manufacturing or natural gas. The program will train students in the specialized skills needed for working in such a role, and will open the door for further specialized certifications that can help students enhance their career prospects even further. 

Dr. Daniel Mosser, the college’s president, said, “This training program is a tremendous opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience in a field that offers excellent career prospects and competitive salaries. We are proud to partner with leading firms to provide top-notch career opportunities for our students, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet workforce demands in our region.”

For more information about West Virginia Northern Community College, visit the school’s website.