U.S. Energy Department commits $11.1 million to expand workforce training

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Energy Dept workforce training funding

Highlights

U.S. Department of Energy announced nearly $11.1 million for eight PACT workforce training projects supporting oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal sectors.
Funding allocations include almost $8.8 million for six Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office projects and $2.3 million for two Office of Indian Energy Policy initiatives.
Two Tribal colleges are among recipients, emphasizing expanded Tribal energy workforce training and partnerships to address regional labor shortages and boost U.S. energy resilience.

Funding plan targets regional skills gaps

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, its Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office and Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs have announced nearly $11.1 million in funding for eight projects selected for negotiation under the Partnerships for Academic-Industry Career Training, or PACT, initiative.

The department said the projects are intended to create or expand hands-on training and industry-recognized credentialing programs built around regional workforce needs. The effort is meant to help prepare workers for jobs supporting the oil, natural gas, coal and geothermal energy sectors.

According to the Department of Energy, the selections include almost $8.8 million for six projects backed by the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office and about $2.3 million for two projects supported by the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. Acting Assistant Secretary for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Curt Coccodrilli said the projects are designed to align training with practical industry requirements and support energy system construction, operation, maintenance and modernization.

Tribal institutions and industry partnerships in focus

The department said two Tribal colleges and universities are among the selected institutions, reflecting a focus on building a Tribal energy workforce alongside broader domestic energy training efforts. Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum said Tribal communities are developing the next generation of energy leaders through targeted jobs and training programs.

By linking colleges, technical institutions, employers and workforce partners, the PACT initiative is designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled labor for domestic energy production and infrastructure. The funding supports a wider federal push to reinforce U.S. energy resilience and supplies while addressing workforce needs across multiple regions and subsectors.

India’s clean energy investment surge was highlighted in our earlier coverage, with capital inflows rising 15% to $72 billion and lifting the country to fifth place in global energy transition investment rankings. We noted that this momentum signals a broader shift in long-term capital formation and infrastructure development across power, industrial fuels, and transport—an investment backdrop that complements today’s focus on strengthening the energy workforce pipeline.

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