College of Technology Receives $200,000 Grant for Energy Efficiency Workforce Training

This grant was jointly applied for by the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) and the Continuing Education Workforce Training (CEWT) — both housed within the ISU College of Technology. 

This grant, resulting from the DOE’s expansion efforts of their Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITACs), aims to enhance technical education and develop the workforce. ITACs are networks that train energy-efficiency workers to remove barriers to decarbonization by helping small and medium manufacturers cut carbon emissions and energy costs. Designed to support jobs that do not require a four-year degree, the grant supports union training programs, community colleges and trade schools. Additionally, the grant focuses on broadening the DOE’s assistance to manufacturers by exploring the creation of an ITAC in Idaho.

The funding from this grant will enhance ESTEC, which offers specialized programs to equip students with the skills needed in industrial maintenance and mechanical engineering technology positions. In these programs, students gain practical knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and lab work — covering electrical generation technologies such as nuclear, coal, gas and renewables. Notably, the Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology Programs will use the grant to incorporate energy and resource efficiency into its curriculum.

“We will utilize the grant to develop curriculum, build industry relationships and identify equipment to train students for in demand career fields,” said the Associate Director of ESTEC Ryan Pitcher. “We will be applying for a second round of funding to purchase state of the art equipment for our laboratories.”

CEWT will also benefit from the grant and incorporate energy efficiency into the curriculum, which will strengthen both its Plumbing Apprenticeship program as well as its Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)  Apprenticeship program. These vital trade skills equip students with essential knowledge and practical experience, giving them a competitive edge and preparing them for high-demand careers in fields with strong employment prospects and industry growth.

This grant serves as a foundational grant that will bring additional opportunities to ISU —$2  million worth of equipment purchase and possibly even becoming a Regional ITAC. 

Through the ESTEC and CEWT programs, students at the College of Technology will gain the expertise needed to implement energy efficiency solutions into their curriculum. To learn more about the and Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology programs visit the ESTEC website and for the Plumbing and HVAC apprenticeship programs visit the CEWT website.