Energy Workforce Trends and Training Needs in Appalachia

This study uses the best available national data to project future supply and demand for occupations associated with the energy industry for each Appalachian state, and the number of people enrolled in and graduating from programs in the Region’s institutions of higher education that will be available to meet or exceed the demand. The report includes analyses of employment by energy sector and state that include projected job replacement needs; current and future energy training programs; gaps in trained workers in each state, by occupation; and state and federal policies that impact the energy sectors. In addition, information from a survey of educational institutions complements the national database with more detailed information about skill sets and non-credit programs. Finally, brief case studies of 13 educational institutions, one in each Appalachian state, are used to provide more contextual analysis.