Educating the Next Generation Energy Workforce Idaho Rural Partnership Board of Directors Meeting July, 14, 2010 Melinda Hamilton Director, Education Programs Idaho National Laboratory

Mission Ensure the nation's energy security with safe, competitive, and sustainable energy systems and unique national and homeland security capabilities. Vision INL will be the pre-eminent nuclear energy laboratory with synergistic, world-class, multi- program capabilities and partnerships. Idaho National Laboratory

Achieving the Vision Leading Nuclear Energy Multi-program Excellence – National and Homeland Security – Energy and Environment Modern Facilities and Capabilities Outstanding People Excellence in Operations and Community Service

Filling the Workforce Pipeline Maximize the impact that the INL has on enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education in Idaho Provide students with hands on experiences to better equip them for the workforce Develop a pipeline of technology program graduates with skills to enter the workforce or articulate into 4 year programs Enhance incumbent employee capacity consistent with INL missions

Why Change What and How We Teach? Innovation New Job Skills Global Citizenship New Ways of Thinking U.S. 15-yr olds ranked 24th in math literacy and 26th in problem-solving in 2003 global assessment 60% of all new jobs in the 21 st century will require skills possessed by only 20% of the current United States workforce. Over 70 million baby boomers will retire and be replaced by only 48 million workers

Example: Power Industry The “United States is facing a critical shortage of trained professionals to maintain the existing electric power system and design, build, and operate the future electric power system” The electric power generation, transmission, and distribution industry employees about 400,000 people % of electric power workers will be eligible for retirement by To maintain current electric generation system, the industry will need 20,300 technicians and 11,200 engineers by 2013 Reference: National Commission on energy Policy’s Task Force on America’s Future Energy Jobs

How Many Energy Jobs are There? National Commission on Energy Policy These are engineering and engineering technology jobs!!

Idaho is No Different DOL projects by 2016 Need for Computer Engineers to grow over 50% Need for Agricultural Engineers to grow 25%. Need for Environmental Scientists and Specialists to grow over 20% Need for Medical Scientists with Doctoral Degree will grow 25% These areas require: Critical Thinking Problem Solving Use of Technology Math and Engineering fundamentals

Idaho is Falling Behind 45% H.S. graduates going on to college 62% of those return after their freshman year 30% at or above proficient on NAEP Math Scores (2005 data) 38% at or above proficient on NAEP Science Scores (2000 data) Data from National Center for Higher Education Management Systems

2008 Major Private Employers in Idaho Albertsons Inc. Battelle Energy Alliance- INL BYU-Idaho CH2M-WG Idaho Fred Meyer Inc/Kroger Hewlett Packard Inc J. R. Simplot Co. Micron Technology, Inc. Potlatch Corp. St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Wal-Mart Wells Fargo Bank

Some INL Hiring Challenges Positions needed – Nuclear Science and Technology Nuclear Engineers Nuclear Operators Mechanical Engineers Control Technicians – Applied Engineering Electrical Engineers Chemical Engineers Computer Engineers with Process Automation Expertise Skills needed: – Problem Solving – Hands on Experience – Broad Application- Diverse Projects – Aptitude with Technology, Instrumentation and Control – Communication skills and literacy Problems: – “They Come, They Learn, They Leave” – We recruit better for Applied Engineers locally

STEM Education Can: Interest students in STEM careers Expose students to new ideas Stimulate innovation and critical thinking skills Meet Education Standards AND integrate into existing curriculum Prepare Idaho students for 21 st Century careers

i-STEM Resource Centers Physical Resources to Support Project-Based and Inquiry-Based Methodologies in the Classroom Virtual Resources Linking Teachers To Professionals, Curricula, and Funding Opportunities Academies, Hands-on Workshops, and Professional Development Opportunities