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UToledo Leads $3M Initiative to Equip Workers for Emerging Hydrogen Economy
The Hydrogen Social Network Analysis (SNA) survey was completed in 2024 and will be released in Q3 2025.
The SNA survey is being followed by a second survey to request information on specific workforce needs and required job skills. Labor and Skills Assessments are underway!
The Department of Energy (DOE) has partnered with a coalition of universities, community colleges, and research organizations to establish workforce development, training, and certification programs that will provide the skilled workers needed for the expanding hydrogen economy in northern Ohio and southern Michigan (DOE Award Number: DE‐EE0010706). A key component of the initiative is the launch of a groundbreaking Hydrogen Social Network Analysis (SNA) survey, completed in 2024, and will be released in Q4 2025.
Hydrogen: Intentional engagement in, or support of the production, distribution, use or sale of Hydrogen or related inputs and technologies that support them
The SNA survey was followed by a second survey to request information on specific workforce needs and required job skills for those working in your organization and involved in the production, delivery, storage, and/or use of hydrogen. The hydrogen economy is expanding rapidly, creating a growing demand for a highly skilled workforce.
The Hydrogen Labor and Skills Assessment identified current workforce needs and gaps related to technician, skilled trades, scientist, and engineering roles within the hydrogen sector. Insights from this assessment will guide the development of training pathways and credentialing programs aligning with industry requirements for building and maintaining hydrogen infrastructure safely and effectively.
The assessment targets employers and industry stakeholders with expertise in workforce needs, skills development, and training design. Key survey focus areas include:
- Identifying critical skill sets and job roles
- Highlighting training format preferences
- Informing curriculum and credential development
For questions or additional information, contact: Kevin Cranick, kevin.cranick@winintelligence.org. Thank you for your time and contribution to this vital initiative.
The University of Toledo is leading the DOE coalition effort with team partners Case Western Reserve University, Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain County Community College, Northwest State Community College, the Ohio Aerospace Institute, Owens Community College, and the Workforce Intelligence Network. This effort is not directly affiliated with the two DOE-funded hydrogen hubs in the region.
Project teams are collaborating with several groups across the country to implement best practices as we develop the new workforce training programs. The team is working to identify workforce needs and current gaps in technician, skilled tradesmen, and scientist and engineer training, and to devise programs to train future employees in the technologies and skills needed to safely build and maintain infrastructure for a hydrogen economy.
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