Seward launches its first corrosion technology class this semester with 17 students. The new program is one of only three such programs in the United States. According to a college brochure, “Corrosion Technology is a far-reaching field including any company that uses metal or metal machinery. Instructor William Worley is in his first year teaching at Seward. However, Worley has worked with many gas/oil companies in the past, giving him much experience in corrosion to be able to keep up with the growing need for well trained technicians. The program has acquired some of the latest instruments like the holiday detector, used for locating imperfections in coatings on pipelines.

During a tour of the facilities prior to this week’s Board of Trustees meeting, the board pre-viewed the beginning construction of a new classroom and lab addition to house corrosion technology, according to a college news release. The board viewed the simulated site that consist of

a well bore, a gas production unit, a 300-barrel stock tank, and a meter run that will be used as a field lab for corrosion technology.

According to Worley, after graduation starting techs could be able to make up to $70,000/per year, depending on which job opportunity they go for. Even with the help of tech- nicians by applying electrons onto corrosive materials to help efficiently slow down the corrosion process, it does not completely stop it. As discussed in corrosion technology brochure, “Corrosion of metal surfaces will never stop, but with the lat- est technology, corrosion can be controlled and monitored. Corro- sion Technicians install, maintain, inspect, and troubleshoot facilities. The job market for this field is growing rapidly, due to a crumbling infrastructure, reliance on energy, and the retirement of many Corrosion technicians.” Instructor Worley said, “Rust never sleeps.” Thanks to the approval by the Kansas Board of Regents and with the financial help from the Title V grant, the corrosion tech program is a reality.