Fervo Energy, in partnership with Southern Utah University (SUU) and Elemental Impact, has launched a groundbreaking geothermal apprenticeship program aimed at helping oil and gas workers, along with Southwest Utah residents, transition into the rapidly growing enhanced geothermal industry. This initiative is part of a broader effort to harness labor momentum driven by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The program, which will be administered by SUU and funded in part by Elemental, offers participants the opportunity to learn geothermal directional drilling and well completions. Combining hands-on training with college-level coursework in geology and energy systems, the apprenticeship program is designed for both traditional students and working adults looking to expand their skills in the geothermal sector.

“Thousands of Americans work in upstream oil and gas, and with the right tools, they can easily apply their skill sets to geothermal production,” said Tim Latimer, CEO and Co-Founder of Fervo Energy in a press release. He emphasized the program’s role in unlocking the potential of this talent pool while attracting new workers to the clean energy sector.

Canva / SUU
Canva / SUU
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The program has already seen a strong start, with 22 individuals from ten different oilfield service providers enrolled. By the end of 2024, the initiative aims to train at least 40 apprentices, filling an immediate need for skilled labor in the geothermal industry.

Dr. Bill Heyborne, Dean of SUU’s College of Natural Sciences, highlighted the significance of the initiative for the local community. “Southwest Utah has the resource potential to become a national clean energy hub, and we have the human potential to make that vision a reality.”

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Dawn Lippert, CEO of Elemental Impact, noted that the program aligns with growing national demand for clean energy. "We are thrilled to support this initiative, which serves as an essential bridge in building a local workforce and advancing the clean energy transition."

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