Process Technology

What do beer and gas have in common? In addition to what you might think, the correct answer is: they both use Process Technology (PTEK).

Process Technology is the process of converting raw materials (such as water & hops, or crude oil & chemicals) into end products (such as beer or gasoline). Process Technicians work on (and troubleshoot) the industrial equipment used in factories, refineries, and water treatment plants, monitoring the numerous pressure, volume and temperature controls and gauges on the equipment.

To gain a better understanding of PTEK, watch the videos about this occupation located along the left margin of this website: Pathways To Technology (note: the videos require a free QuickTime plugin)

Generally, an Associates degree is required to enter into these jobs which start at $40,000/year (+ benefits). Colorado schools that offer AA degrees in PTEK include:

- Colorado Mountain College, Rifle, CO
- Colorado Northwestern Community College, Rangely, CO
- Red Rocks Community College, Lakewood, CO

BTW: Red Rocks has access to PTEK scholarships for qualified candidates from their participating sponsors: Suncor Energy, Molson-Coors, Xcel Energy, Jacobs Engineering, BP America, Shell Exploration and Production, Metro Waste Water Reclamation District and Platte River Power Authority . In addition, Red Rocks has an artriculation agreement with Colorado School of Mines – eligible PTEK graduates are automatically accepted Mines to if they want to pursue advanced degrees.

Click on the video below to check out Red Rocks' YouTube video for an inside perspective of jobs and benefits in PTEK (make sure your speakers are on):


As with most industries, excellent PTEK candidates have the qualities listed in this .pdf poster from CapTech.

Now you know what else beer and gas have in common.