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UToledo Lead the $3M Initiative to Equip Workers for Emerging Hydrogen Economy.
The Hydrogen Social Network Analysis (SNA) survey was completed in 2024 and released in Q4 2025.
The original SNA survey was followed by a second survey to request information on specific workforce needs and required job skills.
The final report for the Hydrogen Social Network Analysis & Skills Assessment includes key outcomes of a collaborative workforce research initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. Spearheaded by the University of Toledo, in collaboration with a coalition of universities, community colleges, and research organizations in northern Ohio and southern Michigan. (DOE Award Number: DE‐EE0010706). A key component of the initiative was the launch of a groundbreaking Hydrogen Social Network Analysis (SNA) survey to map the ecosystem, which was completed in 2024, and 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 report maps the relationships among hydrogen economy stakeholders and identifies critical workforce needs, skill gaps, and training priorities for emerging hydrogen infrastructure and technology jobs across Michigan and Ohio. The findings help guide curriculum development, credentialing pathways, and targeted training programs that prepare workers for careers in this growing clean energy sector.
Why this matters:
- Workforce insights into technician, skilled trades, scientist, and engineering roles in the hydrogen sector.
- Ecosystem mapping showing organizational connections and industry collaboration.
- Guidance for education and training partners to align programs with employer needs.
The original 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 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 targeted employers and industry stakeholders with expertise in workforce needs, skills development, and training design. Key focus areas include:
- Identifying critical skill sets and job roles
- Highlighting training format preferences
- Informing curriculum and credential development
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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