NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Jeremy Johnson
Media Relations- Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium
208.406.3191
[email protected]

Susie Barna
Project Coordinator- Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium
208.821.4844
[email protected]

January 15, 2025

IAEC wins grant to fund training for future nuclear workforce

IDAHO FALLS, ID- The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) has been granted over $1.7 million award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through the Good Jobs Challenge program supplemented by $1.8 million in matching and in-kind contributions, totaling a $3.6 million program. These funds will support the development and delivery of the Advanced Nuclear Workforce Ecosystem (ANWE) projects. 

These funds will be used to support the INEC Tech Hub’s regional workforce ecosystem aimed to accelerate the advanced nuclear energy industry. Administered by the IAEC- the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI), Western Wyoming Community College (Western), Idaho State University (ESTEC), Idaho Workforce Development Council, and Idaho National Laboratory have partnered to solidify these funds. The award will be distributed amongst the regional community colleges to enhance nuclear technician training, nuclear trades curriculum, and transitional workforce training opportunities in the intermountain west. 

“This award is a transformative step forward in preparing a skilled workforce for the advanced nuclear energy industry,” said CEI President Dr. Lori Barber.  “At the College of Eastern Idaho, we are proud to collaborate with our partners, to create training programs that meet the needs of industry while opening doors to high-quality, sustainable careers for our community.” 

The Good Jobs Challenge supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs. The Good Jobs Challenge is expanding into more communities across the country with a focus on industries that will define the 21st century economy.  

 “Western is thrilled to see the Good Jobs Challenge program expanding its impact and addressing critical workforce needs in industries like nuclear energy,” said Dr. Kirk Young, President of Western Wyoming Community College. “With the first Natrium nuclear facility being built in Kemmerer, Wyoming, this grant is a game-changer for our region. It empowers us to provide innovative training and create pathways to high-quality, good-paying jobs that will not only support the energy sector but also strengthen our local economy.”

With the expanded emphasis on advanced nuclear technologies, these funds come at a critical time to support our region’s nuclear workforce training nexus. Ensuring CEI, Western and other partners have the support they need to develop and deliver timely, industry-driven training to our regional workforce and beyond.

For more information, please see EDA’s press release.

Good Jobs Challenge Grant Partners:

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