Using data on a mid-sized community college in northeast Ohio as a case study, we examine patterns of enrollment in petroleum technology credential programs and labor market returns to those credentials. The enrollment analysis yields mixed results. Strong industry conditions represented by an increase in oil prices is associated with a decline in program enrollment; however, higher wages for petroleum workers is associated with increased program enrollment. Earning analyses were unambiguous: Obtaining a certificate or an associate’s degree was associated with outsized quarterly earnings returns of $2,900 and $5,500, respectively. This study suggests that partnerships that align subbaccalaureate postsecondary education to the needs of local labor markets may result in occupational credentials with substantially larger returns than those observed in the literature.

以俄亥俄州东北部某中型社区大学的数据为案例研究，我们研究了石油技术证书计划的入学模式以及这些证书的劳动力市场回报。入学分析得出的结果好坏参半。以石油价格上涨为代表的强劲行业状况与计划入学人数下降有关；但是，石油工人的较高工资与计划入学人数增加有关。收益分析是明确的：获得证书或副学士学位分别会使季度收益分别达到2,900美元和5,500美元。