Mold Remediation in Midland, TX
Mold Remediation in Midland is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. Mold can develop quickly in damp areas, posing serious health risks to you and your family. Whether it's due to a leaky roof, flooding, or high humidity, addressing mold issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to your property and ensure the safety of your loved ones.
At Disaster Response, we understand the urgency of mold problems. Our team of experts is equipped with the latest technology and techniques to identify and eliminate mold effectively. We conduct thorough inspections to assess the extent of the mold growth and develop a tailored remediation plan that addresses your specific needs. Our goal is to restore your home to a safe and healthy condition as quickly as possible.
Mold can not only damage your property but also lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies. That's why our mold remediation services in Midland focus on not just removing the visible mold but also addressing the underlying moisture issues that allow mold to thrive. We take a comprehensive approach to ensure that your home is not only mold-free but also protected against future infestations.
Choosing Disaster Response means you're opting for professionalism and expertise in mold remediation. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring that your home is safe and comfortable. Don't let mold compromise your health and property—contact us today for a thorough assessment and effective remediation solutions tailored to your needs.
- Disaster Response: The Authority on Midland Mold Remediation
- Disaster Response: The Leading Authority on Mold Remediation in Midland
- Mold Testing and Remediation Overview: Following IICRC S520 Standards
- Do You Really Need a Mold Remediation Expert in Midland?
- Reach Out to a Mold Remediation Specialist in Midland, TX, for These Mold-Related Issues
- Essential Steps to Take After Discovering Mold in Your Home in Midland
Disaster Response, The Authority on Midland Mold Remediation
Finding a reliable mold remediation service in Midland, TX, can be overwhelming, but with Disaster Response, the choice becomes clear. With years of experience in the industry, we specialize in effectively eliminating mold and restoring your home or business to a safe environment. Our dedicated team understands the health risks associated with mold exposure and is committed to providing thorough and efficient remediation services.
At Disaster Response, we utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to identify and remove mold from your property. Our experts conduct comprehensive inspections to assess the extent of the mold problem, ensuring that no hidden spores are left behind. We prioritize your safety and well-being, employing environmentally friendly products that are safe for both your family and the planet.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just mold removal. We also focus on preventing future mold growth by addressing the underlying causes, such as moisture issues and inadequate ventilation. Our team provides valuable advice on maintaining a mold-free environment, empowering you to take proactive steps in safeguarding your property.
Like the iconic landmarks in Midland, TX, we stand as a beacon of hope for those facing mold challenges. Our expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction set us apart in the mold remediation industry.
As true specialists in Midland mold remediation, we focus exclusively on the following services
- Comprehensive Mold Inspections
- Mold Removal and Cleanup
- Air Quality Testing
- Moisture Control Solutions
- Preventative Treatments
- Structural Drying and Dehumidification
- Post-Remediation Verification
- Emergency Response Services
- Residential and Commercial Services
- Consultation and Education on Mold Prevention
At Disaster Response, we strive to be THE authority on mold remediation in Midland. We understand the urgency of addressing mold issues and are here to provide swift, effective solutions. When you choose our services, you can trust that we will restore your space to a safe and healthy condition, allowing you to breathe easy once again.
Disaster Response: The Leading Authority on Mold Remediation in Midland
Finding a reliable mold remediation service in Midland can be overwhelming, but with Disaster Response, the choice is clear. With years of experience in the industry, we specialize in effectively identifying and eliminating mold issues, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our clients. Our dedicated team understands the complexities of mold growth and is committed to providing top-notch service tailored to your specific needs.
At Disaster Response, we utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to assess and remediate mold infestations. Our experts are trained to handle various types of mold, from common household varieties to more hazardous species, ensuring that your property is thoroughly treated. We prioritize safety and efficiency, working diligently to restore your space to its original condition while minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Our comprehensive approach includes not only the removal of mold but also addressing the underlying causes of moisture that contribute to its growth. We believe in educating our clients about mold prevention and maintenance, empowering them to take proactive steps in safeguarding their homes or businesses. With our commitment to excellence, you can trust that your mold remediation project is in capable hands.
As a leading provider of mold remediation services in Midland, we pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach. We understand that dealing with mold can be stressful, which is why we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout the entire remediation process.
- Comprehensive Mold Inspections
- Mold Removal and Cleanup
- Air Quality Testing
- Moisture Control Solutions
- Preventative Treatments
- Structural Drying and Dehumidification
- Post-Remediation Verification
- Emergency Response Services
- Residential and Commercial Services
- Consultation and Education on Mold Prevention
At Disaster Response, we are dedicated to being the leading authority on mold remediation in Midland. Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction set us apart in the industry. When you choose us, you can rest assured that we will restore your property to a safe and healthy state, allowing you to breathe easy once again.
Mold Testing and Remediation Overview: Following IICRC S520 Standards
The IICRC S520 standard provides a clear guide for safely managing mold issues in homes and buildings. Its main goals are to protect people, ensure thorough cleanup, and prevent future mold problems.
1. Assessment and Inspection
Initial Assessment:
- Trained professionals will conduct a detailed inspection of the affected area. This includes visual checks and using tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras to find hidden mold or moisture.
- Understanding moisture sources is crucial, as mold often arises from water issues or high humidity.
Mold Sampling:
- Although not always needed, testing (both air and surface samples) can help identify the type and amount of mold present.
- Sampling is useful when mold is suspected but not visible, such as when there are odors or health concerns.
- If sampling is done, it must follow proper protocols, with analysis performed by accredited labs.
2. Containment Protocols
Containment Procedures:
- To stop mold spores from spreading during cleanup, barriers (like plastic sheeting and negative air pressure) are used.
- The extent of containment varies; small areas might require basic barriers, while larger or heavily contaminated spaces need more extensive containment.
- Workers must enter and exit through decontamination chambers to avoid spreading mold.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Workers should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, N95 masks, full-body suits, and eye protection.
- The type of PPE needed depends on how severe the contamination is; more protective gear may be required for heavily affected areas.
4. Remediation Process
Source Control:
- Addressing the root cause of moisture is essential. This may involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or managing humidity.
Cleaning and Removal of Mold:
- Mold cannot just be treated with chemicals; it must be physically removed.
- Non-porous materials (like metals and glass) can often be cleaned with HEPA vacuums or damp cloths.
- Severely affected porous materials (like drywall and carpets) should be removed and disposed of according to local regulations.
- HEPA air filtration systems should be used to capture airborne mold spores during cleanup.
Cleaning Techniques:
- Common methods include HEPA vacuuming and scrubbing surfaces where mold is present.
- Antimicrobial agents may be used, but the focus is on physical removal.
5. Post-Remediation Evaluation
Final Inspection:
- After cleanup, a visual inspection ensures no visible mold remains.
- Air and surface tests may be conducted to confirm that mold levels are back to normal.
- It's crucial to check that the environment is dry to prevent mold from returning.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Detailed records of the remediation process, including testing results and cleanup procedures, should be maintained.
- This documentation is important for compliance and may be needed for insurance or legal matters.
6. Ongoing Prevention
- Educating building occupants about moisture control is vital. This includes maintaining HVAC systems, managing humidity, and promptly addressing leaks.
By adhering to the IICRC S520 standard, mold remediation professionals take a systematic and health-focused approach, ensuring that indoor spaces are restored to safe, mold-free conditions.
Do You Really Need, Need a Mold Remediation Expert in Midland?
While it may be tempting to tackle mold issues on your own, hiring a professional mold remediation service can ensure a thorough and effective solution. Mold can pose serious health risks and structural damage to your home, making it crucial to address the problem with expertise. Disaster Response specializes in mold remediation, providing the knowledge and tools necessary to restore your environment safely and efficiently.
Understanding the Mold Remediation Process
Mold remediation involves a systematic approach to identify, contain, and eliminate mold growth. Professionals like those at Disaster Response utilize advanced techniques and equipment to assess the extent of the mold infestation. This process includes air quality testing, surface sampling, and moisture control measures to prevent future growth. By understanding the specific conditions that led to mold development, experts can implement effective solutions tailored to your situation.
Health Risks Associated with Mold Exposure
Mold can lead to a variety of health issues, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, skin irritation, and even more severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Engaging a mold remediation expert ensures that the mold is not only removed but that the air quality in your home is restored to a safe level, protecting the health of your family.
Preventing Future Mold Growth
After remediation, it's essential to take proactive steps to prevent mold from returning. Disaster Response provides guidance on moisture control, ventilation improvements, and regular inspections to maintain a mold-free environment. By addressing the underlying causes of mold growth, such as leaks or high humidity, you can significantly reduce the risk of future infestations.
The Importance of Professional Equipment and Techniques
Attempting to remove mold without the proper equipment can lead to incomplete removal and potential health hazards. Professionals use specialized tools such as HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, and moisture meters to ensure thorough remediation. Disaster Response's trained technicians are equipped to handle even the most challenging mold situations, ensuring that your home is restored to a safe and healthy state.
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Call UsReach Out to a Mold Remediation Specialist in Midland, TX, for These Mold-Related Issues
Mold growth can occur in various environments, particularly in areas with high humidity or water damage. This fungal growth can lead to significant health risks, property damage, and unpleasant odors. Recent studies have shown an increase in mold-related issues in Midland, with many homeowners facing challenges in managing and eliminating mold effectively. If you find yourself dealing with any of the following mold situations, it's crucial to contact a mold remediation expert promptly:
Visible Mold Growth
If you notice mold on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces, it's a clear sign that professional intervention is needed. Mold can spread quickly and may indicate underlying moisture problems.
Musty Odors
A persistent musty smell in your home can be a strong indicator of hidden mold. This odor often suggests that mold is present, even if it's not immediately visible.
Water Damage
Following a leak, flood, or any water intrusion, the risk of mold growth increases significantly. It's essential to address any water damage promptly to prevent mold from taking hold.
Health Symptoms
If you or your family members are experiencing unexplained respiratory issues, allergies, or skin irritations, mold exposure could be the culprit. Seeking professional help can ensure a safe living environment.
Condensation Issues
Excessive condensation on windows, walls, or pipes can create a breeding ground for mold. Addressing these issues with a mold remediation service can help prevent future growth.
Previous Mold Problems
If you've dealt with mold in the past, it's vital to monitor the area for any signs of recurrence. A professional can assess the situation and implement preventive measures.
Regardless of the mold issue you're facing, it's important to understand that Midland residents should act quickly to mitigate the risks associated with mold exposure. Mold can not only damage your property but also pose serious health risks to you and your family. Engaging a qualified mold remediation specialist like Disaster Response can provide the expertise needed to effectively eliminate mold and restore your home to a safe condition.
Essential Steps to Take After Discovering Mold in Your Home in Midland
Finding mold in your home can be alarming and overwhelming. Mold can grow quickly and pose health risks, so it's crucial to act promptly. Here are the steps you should follow if you discover mold in your Midland residence:
- Identify the source of moisture that is causing the mold growth.
- Ensure the affected area is well-ventilated to minimize exposure.
- Avoid touching or disturbing the mold, as this can release spores into the air.
- Document the extent of the mold growth with photographs for your records.
- Contact a professional mold remediation service to assess the situation.
- Follow any safety recommendations provided by the remediation experts.
- Keep children and pets away from the affected area until it has been treated.
- Review your home's ventilation and humidity levels to prevent future mold growth.
If you find mold in your home, it's essential to address it quickly to protect your health and property. Mold can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and allergic reactions. At Disaster Response, we specialize in mold remediation and are dedicated to restoring your home to a safe and healthy environment.
Contact Your Local Mold Remediation Experts in Midland, TX, for a Free Consultation
At Disaster Response, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with mold issues. Our team is committed to providing you with the highest level of service and support during this challenging time. We approach every situation with professionalism, care, and urgency.
Our mold remediation specialists will work diligently to identify the source of the mold, safely remove it, and implement measures to prevent its return. When your home's safety and your family's well-being are at stake, don't settle for anything less than the best—choose Disaster Response today.
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Latest News in Midland, TX
Midland man receives three life sentences for child sexual abuse
Staff Writerhttps://www.mrt.com/news/crime/article/midland-man-life-sentences-child-abuse-19880333.php
A 58-year-old Midland man was sentenced late Thursday to three terms of life in prison after being found guilty of the sexual abuse of a child.According to the Midland District Attorney's office, Jackie Nolan Kocks was charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault with a child and one count of Indecency with a Child by Exposure. The trial began Monday, Oct. 28, in the 441st District Court and continued until Thursday.On Thursday, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all three charges after deliberating for approximately...
A 58-year-old Midland man was sentenced late Thursday to three terms of life in prison after being found guilty of the sexual abuse of a child.
According to the Midland District Attorney's office, Jackie Nolan Kocks was charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault with a child and one count of Indecency with a Child by Exposure. The trial began Monday, Oct. 28, in the 441st District Court and continued until Thursday.
On Thursday, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all three charges after deliberating for approximately three hours. Kocks chose to have his punishment set by the presiding judge in the trial, Judge Jeffrey Robnett. Robnett delivered three life sentences to the defendant after the jury returned the guilty verdict.
The District Attorney's Office advised that the evidence presented within the case showed that the defendant twice penetrated the sexual organs of a female victim in both 2018 and 2019. Additionally, Kocks was said to have exposed his genitals to the same child in 2019. At the time of the incident, the female victim was younger than 14 years old.
"Evidence also established that Kocks had been convicted of a child sex offense previously in 1986 in Mitchell County, which required him to register as a sex offender. Under the law, that previous conviction resulted in automatic life sentences upon conviction of the Aggravated Sexual Assault charges at issue in the trial," said the District Attorney's office in a press release.
Judge Robnett assessed the maximum possible sentence of life in prison for the Indecency Charge. The District Attorney's Office also shared that Kocks had been previously convicted for two felonies of Driving While Intoxicated.
"Kocks must serve at least 30 years of his concurrent sentences before the possibility of parole. Even then, eligibility for parole does not mean that parole will be granted," the District Attorney's press release said.
The case was prosecuted by Midland County Assistant District Attorneys Todd Meador and Paola Lujan-Hayes. Kocks was represented by Dallas attorney Nicholas Toufexis.
Nov 1, 2024
Online Editor
B. Kay Richter is the online editor for the Midland Reporter-Telegram. She is originally from San Antonio, Texas. She enjoys cooking, watching documentaries and traveling with her husband. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her two cats.
Midland hosts several Dia de los Muertos events
Kessly Salinashttps://www.mrt.com/entertainment/article/midland-dia-de-los-muertos-19878313.php
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday that celebrates life and death on Nov. 1-2.On Dia de los Muertos, families welcome back the souls of their deceased loved ones, celebrating life through its embrace of death.According to the History Channel, the Day of the Dead traces back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, in which the Aztecs and other Nahua people saw death ...
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday that celebrates life and death on Nov. 1-2.
On Dia de los Muertos, families welcome back the souls of their deceased loved ones, celebrating life through its embrace of death.
According to the History Channel, the Day of the Dead traces back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, in which the Aztecs and other Nahua people saw death as an integral part of life.
The indigenous people believed that a soul would travel to Chicunamictlan, the Land of the Dead, where they had to embark on a journey and pass nine challenging levels before reaching Mictlan, the final resting spot.
In Nahua rituals, they would provide food, water and tools to aid the deceased throughout their journey.
Today, families around the world continue to honor this tradition by setting out food, drinks and treats as an offering on an altar, or on their loved one’s graves.Other celebrations of Day of the Dead include skull face painting, potlucks, dance and music performances and parades or festivals.
Here’s where you can celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Midland.
Midland Park Mall
The Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland and the Midland Park Mall partnered up to host an afternoon full of cultural activities including flamenco, ballet folklorico, and mariachi performances. There will also be “Trees of Lives” which can be decorated and several Day of the Dead altars. The event is free to attend on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Downtown Odessa
The Hispanic Heritage of Odessa is hosting a Dia de Los Muertos parade and market on Saturday. Vendors, food trucks and more will be available at the market starting at 3 p.m. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and will start on Texas and 9th Street and end on 19th Street. The Hispanic Heritage of Odessa encourages everyone to bring their best Catrina outfit and makeup.
Fiddlesticks Farms
Fiddlesticks Farms is celebrating Day of the Dead for its sixth year. The farm features a seven-acre cornfield maze, 10 acres of pumpkin patch, a campfire, and more family friendly attractions. Visitors are welcome to dress up for Dia de los Muertos.
The Wagner Noel
The University of Texas Permian Basin is hosting a Dia de los Muertos Festival on Sunday. The event features live music, raffles, vendors and food trucks on site.
The festival will be free admission from 5-7 p.m. and allows visitors to enjoy the lobby exhibitions, including a community altar.
The closing show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and showcases performances by UTPB’s mariachi, orchestra and ballet folklorico. Tickets to the concert cost $10.
Leyenda Coffee & Tequila
Leyenda Coffee & Tequila is hosting a Dia de los Muertos brunch after dark starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The event will feature a new brunch menu for the evening, cotton candy glitter bomb mimosas and DJ Bryan will be playing music.
The Blue Door
The Blue Door is featuring different Day of the Dead themed cocktails in celebration of the holiday. La Catrina features tequila, freshly squeezed orange and lime, vanilla bean, Cointreau, Aperol and dried marigold petals dusted on the glass. The Blue Door is 21-plus.
Oct 31, 2024
Reporter
Kessly Salinas is a reporter at the Midland Reporter Telegram. She is from Friona, Texas and graduated from St. Edward’s University with a bachelor’s degree in global studies in May of 2023. Kessly minored in journalism and digital media and was an editorial intern for Austin Vida and the Friona Star newspaper.
As US Permian crude turns lighter, it risks losing favor with refiners
Arathy Somasekharhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-permian-crude-turns-lighter-it-risks-losing-favor-with-refiners-2024-10-22/
HOUSTON, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Companies drilling for the crude that turned the U.S. into the world's top oil producer face an unexpected dilemma: their West Texas Midland crude is getting lighter, which could make it less appealing to some refiners.Super-light crudes would have to be blended with heavier grades for processing into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Less supply of heavy crude and high prices for it could cut demand for WTI Midland. This could result in lower prices for the globally used dated Brent benchmark of which WTI has...
HOUSTON, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Companies drilling for the crude that turned the U.S. into the world's top oil producer face an unexpected dilemma: their West Texas Midland crude is getting lighter, which could make it less appealing to some refiners.
Super-light crudes would have to be blended with heavier grades for processing into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Less supply of heavy crude and high prices for it could cut demand for WTI Midland. This could result in lower prices for the globally used dated Brent benchmark of which WTI has become an integral part.
The volume and quality of the flagship U.S. crude has made it popular with refineries in Asia and Europe, thanks to its similarity to other benchmark grades and a low sulfur content that makes it relatively easy to remove during processing.
It has become a central part of Brent, a group of North Sea grades used to price over 75% of the world's crude.
But shale producers in the Permian basin of west Texas and New Mexico have been pumping lighter crude. Recent testing shows the oil's gravity, or measure of density, is between 41 and 44 degrees, said sources who declined to be identified as the data is confidential.
WTI Midland crude historically has a gravity of about 38 degrees to 42 degrees. The higher the number, the lighter the oil.
Shale producers are pumping lighter oil as they exhaust first-tier production areas and move into second-tier acreage. These wells yield more natural gas, with crude pushing into super-light territory.
Generally, lighter crude is more valued than heavier crude, but refineries are set up for specific densities, usually not super-light crude. Refiners look for crude that can deliver the best margins from existing gear. Converting units to run lighter crudes economically would require investing in new equipment.
Lighter crude tends to produce higher volumes of petrochemical feedstock naphtha when it is refined, and less of the more profitable diesel and jet fuel. Some refining towers may not be built to handle higher volumes of naphtha and refiners may be forced to cut how much crude they run overall.
Hydrocrackers, processing units that break heavy molecules into smaller ones via high heat and pressure, would be underutilized if crude was lighter, Kpler lead crude analyst Viktor Katona said. Reformer units, which process naphtha into a component of finished gasoline, would need to run harder.
While hydrocrackers can be more expensive to run, it helps produce higher margin diesel and jet fuel that refiners are keen to sell.
"One would need to reconfigure the refinery, build completely different units, bigger units for light distillates (like naphtha), smaller units for middle distillates (like diesel) and no one has the money for that," Katona added.
With gasoline demand likely to peak as more people work from home and many adopt electric vehicles, refiners are reluctant to make large investments into plants, sources and analysts said.
"Refiners will have to blend it (lighter WTI Midland) to make it a little bit more heavier and better aligned with processing units that they have invested capital in," said Rommel Oates, founder of refining software company Refinery Calculator.
Pipeline companies that buy from shale producers could also look to blend the crude with other grades like West Texas Sour to meet export specifications, analysts said.
"WTI (Midland) needs to have a partner - a heavy crude - to tango with, because otherwise you don't want to run it, but we might reach a stage when the heavies are just too expensive for them to be blended down with WTI (Midland)," Katona said.
The cost of mixing crudes could cause demand to fall for WTI Midland. That, in turn, would depress the price of dated Brent, unless Platts removes WTI Midland from the assessment or limits acceptable gravity.
"A lighter WTI Midland will just weaken the benchmark because WTI Midland now becomes slightly less valuable," RBN Energy analyst Robert Auers said. Dated Brent prices could ease by as much as 50 cents per barrel if WTI Midland gets lighter, he added.
Platts, part of S&P Global, currently assesses trades and publishes price for WTI Midland with an API gravity between 40-44 degrees. A spokesperson said they monitor the quality of Midland crude and can launch a standard industry consultation if a quality review is required.
Refiners, pipeline operators and others have begun discussing the need for a lighter gravity benchmark, which would help buyers differentiate WTI Midland from super-light streams of oil, sources said.
Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston, additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar; Editing by David Gregorio
Thomson Reuters
Houston-based energy reporter focused on oil markets and energy companies. Arathy closely tracks U.S. crude supply and its impact on global markets, ever changing crude oil flows, and reports on U.S. shale producers and oilfield service companies.
Midland College, Texas, Stays Flexible for Workforce Education
GovTechhttps://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/midland-college-texas-stays-flexible-for-workforce-education
(TNS) — Midland College offers a whole division of career and technical programs that prepare students for the workforce and meet professional development needs.The programs range from energy technology to oil and gas, auto and diesel, business, paralegal studies, criminal justice, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) education."There are a lot of career and technical options," said Jennifer Myers, associate vice president of Workforce Education. "We also offer healthcare programs that are considered w...
(TNS) — Midland College offers a whole division of career and technical programs that prepare students for the workforce and meet professional development needs.
The programs range from energy technology to oil and gas, auto and diesel, business, paralegal studies, criminal justice, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) education.
"There are a lot of career and technical options," said Jennifer Myers, associate vice president of Workforce Education. "We also offer healthcare programs that are considered workforce education because they are preparing students to go into the workforce."
Myers said that workforce education prepares individuals for the workforce by providing them with any training that they need.
"We can customize and do training for any business in the city or in our service area," Myers said.
Myers added that another aspect of the workforce education is continuing education.
"Continuing education ideally caters to everyone," Myers said. "We serve students who are looking to gain basic computer skills such as learning how to open a word document all the way up to our professionals who are receiving ongoing professional development."
Continuing education is meant to serve the needs of the students and offers customized training.
Chelsy Gann, the director of workforce continuing education and the Petroleum Professional Development Center, said that Midland College can design programs that cater specifically to a company's needs.
"I'm working with a company now to customize some Excel training specifically for them, using their data to help their employees learn how to analyze it," Gann said.
Myers added that Midland College can train on almost anything related to continuing education.
"If a company has a group of employees that needs to learn a skill, for example a basic weld, we can teach them here," Myers said. "We can train them on high end equipment that they are going to see in the field."
She added that the college works to find the instructors and get the curriculum ready to teach the students.
When in need of an instructor, Midland College looks to their faculty to see if there is anyone that can be utilized to teach that subject.
"We like to start in house," Gann said. "If we don't have anyone at Midland College that can teach a subject, we start to look at other professionals that we've worked with for various projects."
Myers added that the college also offers part time positions for anyone who's interested in teaching.
"We have a program that caters to our 55 and above students and one of the classes is quilting," Myers said. "Our instructor for that is amazing and just loves to quilt and wants to share that passion."
She added that sometimes a professional degree isn't needed to be a teacher and that if anyone is interested in teaching a subject, they can reach out to the college.
"That's how a few of our classes started," Myers said. "Our compliance courses started because the instructor reached out to us and said, 'I teach this on my own, but I'm interested in partnering with the college' and it's been very successful."
Myers said that continuing education not only ranges in topics, but also on the type of class.
Some companies may choose to do a lunch and learn, another may be a class that's eight hours long and completes the training, while others can span over a few months.
Myers added that it depends on the type of training needed and how many hours are needed to effectively complete that training.
"I don't know that enough businesses or organizations think that their local community college has the means to do a customized training program or to provide a certain industry-based credential to their employees," Myers said.
At Midland College, students can get their continuing education credits.
"It can be a great introductory to a college setting to individuals who have never been to college," Myers said. "It's a safe space to learn."
She added that there is also grant money available to small companies who may need additional training for their employees.
"The state of Texas is offering funds to businesses and colleges to partner together to offer the essential skills necessary to have a highly trained workforce," Myers said. "The cost doesn't always have to fall on the organization or business."
Gann said that workforce training can encompass both hard skills, such as a basic weld, and soft skills such as leadership training.
"A lot of times we can also go to their facilities and teach, if necessary," Myers said. "We can do a lunch and learn at the business. With continuing education, we have a lot of flexibility to offer customized training for our local businesses and industry partners."
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