SCC announces Geothermal Drilling Intensive Program supported by U.S. Department of Energy Workforce Initiative
Somerset Community College (SCC), in partnership with the Geothermal Drillers Association (GDA), is launching a new Geothermal Drilling Intensive training program designed to prepare workers for careers in the rapidly growing geothermal energy industry.
The program announcement comes on the heels of a significant federal investment in America's energy workforce. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced nearly $11.1 million in funding for eight workforce development projects through its Partnerships for Academic-Industry Career Training (PACT) Initiative. The initiative supports hands-on training and industry-recognized credentialing programs that prepare workers for careers in energy sectors including oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal energy. The funding is intended to strengthen the nation's energy workforce and support critical energy infrastructure needs.
The SCC Geothermal Drilling Intensive will be held January 11-23, 2027, at the SCC Valley Oak Center in Somerset, providing participants with 80 hours of classroom and field-based instruction focused on geothermal drilling operations.
“The demand for skilled workers in the geothermal energy sector continues to grow,” said Alesa Johnson, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Solutions. “We are excited to partner with the Geothermal Drillers Association to develop this new career pathway and provide participants with hands-on training and industry knowledge that can lead directly to employment opportunities in this growing energy field. This partnership is an important step in preparing the workforce to meet the evolving needs of the geothermal industry.”
Participants will receive training on:
- The science behind geothermal boreholes and loop fields
- Drilling fundamentals, workplace protocols, and safety practices
- Drilling disciplines and subsurface conditions
- The complete lifecycle of geothermal drilling projects
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for field operations
The curriculum combines classroom instruction with drill site training, giving students real-world exposure to geothermal drilling techniques. By the conclusion of the program, participants will have experienced drilling operations firsthand and observed borehole projects through completion.
Graduates may also have access to post-training opportunities, including potential paid apprenticeships within the geothermal industry and inclusion in the Geothermal Drillers Association's database of trained candidates.
“Somerset Community College is helping lead the way in developing the next generation of geothermal drilling professionals, creating career pathways for new entrants and transitioning workers alike,” Executive Director of the Geothermal Drillers Association Stacy Kinnaly said. “The Geothermal Drillers Association is proud to contribute its industry expertise and regionally tailored curriculum to this pioneering effort, advancing a skilled workforce that will help drive clean energy innovation and renewed economic opportunity across Appalachia.”
The program aligns with national efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting America's growing energy needs. According to the DOE, investments in workforce development are critical to ensuring the United States has the trained professionals needed to build, operate, maintain, and modernize energy systems.
"Somerset Community College is proud to be part of preparing the next generation of energy professionals," SCC Chancellor Carey Castle said. "Through partnerships with industry leaders, we're creating pathways to high-demand careers while supporting economic growth throughout our region."
For more information about the Geothermal Drilling Intensive, visit:
https://somerset.kctcs.edu/workforce-solutions/geothermal-drilling.aspx
