The U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) today (Dec 12) announced $1 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the Hydropower Foundation's hydropower workforce development programs. The U.S. hydropower industry faces a wave of retirements, and these efforts will help build the workforce needed to ensure this resource continues to provide reliable, renewable power to homes and businesses across the country.
"While the U.S. hydropower industry is more than a century old, this resource still has significant untapped potential," said WPTO Director Matthew Grosso. "Realizing that potential requires paving the way for the next generation of hydropower workers and helping bring new professionals into the industry."
More than a quarter of today's hydropower industry workers will reach retirement age in the coming years. According to the report, U.S. Hydropower Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities, major challenges facing the hydropower workforce include those near-term vacancies, along with an increased demand for workers due to growing hydropower infrastructure and capacity in both conventional and pumped storage hydropower.
To support this growing need, the Hydropower Foundation will focus on:
- Outreach to trades and apprenticeship programs.
- Outreach to universities, trade schools, community colleges, and other post-secondary institutions to address a need for engineering and other hydropower industry services.
- Support for an inclusive hydropower workforce by engaging with minority-serving institutions and Black, Hispanic, and Tribal professional organizations.
- Efforts to leverage and expand existing workforce development programs and partnerships such as the foundation's Think Tank competitions, Waterpower Clubs, and Hiring for Hydro program.
These efforts complement other WPTO-funded activities aimed at growing the hydropower workforce. For example, students and workers can consult the hydropower career map to understand paths in the industry for people with a wide range of technical and nontechnical skills. WPTO's Hydropower Collegiate Competition also aims to spread awareness and grow skills to better prepare students for careers in hydropower.
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Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time.
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