A commitment is in place to produce more workers for the Gulf of Mexico's oil and gas industry.

Higher education leaders, state officials and representatives from the oil industry have formed a long-term public-private partnership to come up with solutions to meet with workforce needs.

The biggest concern to our members is that we don't have the skilled workforce to handle the kinds of projects that were are doing out in the Gulf.

Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Chris John says about 40 percent of the Gulf of Mexico's experienced workforce will retire over the next 10 years. He says that's a concern, especially since deepwater exploration and production is expected to increase.

"The biggest concern to our members is that we don't have the skilled workforce to handle the kinds of projects that were are doing out in the Gulf," John said.

John says a Memorandum of Understanding between various entities will come together to form a curriculum so prospective Gulf of Mexico oil workers could be certified in two years.

"Once that person graduates and gets that certificate, they're almost certain to get a job at that point of time," John said.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL