Re-engineering: Partnerships for Industry,
Education and Workforce
Idaho State University Energy Systems Technology and Education Center
A Partnership of Idaho State University,
Idaho
National Laboratory and Partners for Prosperity
Why an Energy Consortium?
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Energy workforce development is a complex, dynamic process shaped by:
– Technology
- Economics
– Education
- Regulation
– Demographics
- Politics
– Competition
- Public Perception
To succeed requires many perspectives examining the issue from just all of
these vantage points and more.
The ESTEC operating partners are unique in their perspectives, experience
and background. We respect each other’s ideas and opinions.
We have melded together government, industry, educational and social service
organizations into a cohesive core of partners.
Many are hearing a side of the workforce story they have never heard before.
Mission Statement
Cultivate the people and educational
resources necessary to improve the local,
regional and national availability of trained
workers to support the construction,
operation, and maintenance of current and
future energy facilities and occupations.
Operating Partners
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Idaho State University’s College of Technology is a state-designated
technical college offering 53 certificate programs and 47 two-year
degree programs. They are the oldest technology college in Idaho.
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Idaho National Laboratory is the nation’s command center for
advanced civilian nuclear technology research and development. The
lab and its more than 3,300 scientists and engineers also develop
energy solutions in hydropower, fossil fuel, hydrogen, geothermal and
other energy sources.
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Partners for Prosperity is a non-profit organization dedicated to
poverty reduction in Eastern Idaho. P4P currently manages over $12
million in grant funds for projects related to education, economic
development and personal empowerment.
ESTEC Operating Partners
Operating Partners
guide the strategic
direction of the Center
The Energy Systems Technology and
Education Center
Proposal Partners Comprise Advisory Council with Roles
Education
Industry/Econ. Dev.
Idaho National Laboratory**
Idaho Power (Chair)
Washington Group International
Entergy Corporation
PacifiCorp LLC
AREVA
EPRI (proposed)
NIDA Corporation
Idaho TechConnect
Regional Coordinating Council
Idaho State University**
Boise State University
Central Virginia Community College
Thomas Edison State College (NJ)
ISU College of Engineering
Bismarck State College (ND)
Excelsior College (NY)
Idaho State Board of Education
Idaho School Superintendents
Tech Prep Programs (Regions 5 & 6)
Engaging industry in defining
and supporting the creation of
energy sector-wide programs
for operators and technicians.
Including economic
development organizations to
leverage the opportunities.
Engaging local, regional and
national educational
institutions and K-12 in
collaborating on, contributing
to and adopting awareness
programs and curriculum.
**Operating Partners
Social Services/Gov’t
Partners for Prosperity**
Shoshone Bannock Tribe
Idaho Migrant Council
Veterans Administration
Center for New Directions
Idaho Women in Nuclear
IGNITE
Idaho Department of Labor
Engaging the unemployed,
underemployed and underrepresented populations.
Structure of the Group
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ESTEC Staff
– Executive Director – Scott Rasmussen
– Deputy Director – Richard Holman, CPT
– Associate Director for Curriculum Development – Gerry Trimble
– Associate Director for Accreditation – Linda Stuffle, PE
– Associate Director for Facilities – Lawrence Beatty
– K-12 Programs – Ann Marie Corbridge
– Special Populations Programs – Jessica Sotelo
– Executive Assistant – Michelle Katseanes
Advisory Council (30+ members)
– Chair – Vern Porter – General Manager, Generation - Idaho Power Company
Operating Partners
– Idaho State University – Scott Rasmussen
– Idaho National Laboratory – Richard Holman
– Partners for Prosperity – Jessica Sotelo
Goals
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Establish regional K-12 programs that provide energy career information,
support STEM education efforts and relate energy subjects to State science and
math standards.
Identify and support unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented
populations in successfully applying for and completing an ESTEC program.
Develop, accredit (ABET) and deliver three engineering technology programs:
– Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology
– Electrical Engineering Technology
– Mechanical Engineering Technology
Establish an Applied Industrial Energy Research Center as the post-grant
sustaining capability.
Develop competency models in support of the above programs
Validate, standardize, package and disseminate the Energy Systems
Instrumentation and Control curriculum.
Accomplishments
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Secured $2M Department of Labor Community-based Job Training Grant
Secured $600K National Science Foundation ATE Grant
Renovating 25,000 ft2 building on ISU campus with $1.1M investment from Idaho
Department of Public Works
Established a partnership of local, regional, national and international industrial
partners that have collectively contributed several million dollars in real and inkind contributions
Created knowledge and resource partnerships with other educational institutions
across the U.S.
Created the first Applied Industrial Energy Research Center in the Idaho
collegiate system.
Member of the Center for Energy Workforce Development.
Building a national coalition of education and industry partners
Challenges
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Finish the building renovation and move in
Develop the laboratory exercises that compliment the instruction
Recruit industrial partners to utilize the facility for applied research purposes (i.e.
reliability, availability, maintainability studies, failure mode analysis, component
innovation/improvement, validation of service claims, etc.)
RECRUITING STUDENTS
– Low unemployment rates
– Low population density
– Generational differences
– Perception of energy careers
Establish internships/scholarships/sponsorships
Get through the grant paperwork and reporting
Culture change (acceptance) – many different cultures clash in this arrangement
(educational, industrial, government, social service).
Where do we go from here….
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K-12 Energy Education Programs (in progress)
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Excellence in Energy Education Teacher In-Service (12/2007)
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Member - Center for Energy Workforce Development (07/2007)
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AAS Energy Systems I&C Engineering Technology – Initial Offering (08/2007)
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General Fundamentals Examination Prep Course development (09/2007)
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AAS Nuclear Engineering Technology Collaboration with Excelsior College (08/2008)
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AAS Energy Systems Electrical Engineering Technology – Initial Offering (08/2008)
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AAS Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology – Initial Offering (08/2009)
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AAS Non-destructive Evaluation AND AAS Radiological Controls Collaboration with Central Virginia
Community College (08/2010)
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Pursue NSF National Center of Excellence status (01/2011)
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Diversify, diversify, diversify