At the recent NY-GEO 2024 conference in Albany, industry leaders, educators, and professionals gathered to discuss the future of geothermal energy, focusing on workforce development, training standards, and the collaborative efforts needed to propel the industry forward. 

The session, led by Jeff Hammond, Executive Director at the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), illuminated the transformative initiatives underway to standardize and enhance geothermal training programs. 

Modular Training: A New Era for Geothermal Education

Hammond introduced the concept of modular training, a significant shift from traditional methods designed to cater to the diverse roles within the geothermal industry. 

This initiative, born from a collaboration with entities like Bosch and WaterFurnace, aims to break down the accredited installer course into digestible modules addressing specific job functions. 

"This is a great time to be in the industry, and there's a lot going on right now," Hammond remarked, emphasizing the importance of specialized training to meet the growing demands of the sector. 

Collaboration Across the Board

The session highlighted the unprecedented collaboration among competitors to develop a contemporary training program. 

Representatives from WaterFurnace, Enertech Global, and ClimateMaster shared their perspectives on the initiative. 

John Thomas from WaterFurnace praised the effort, stating, "This gives a way for contractors to step into the industry and get started in an equitable way. "

Ed Davis from Enertech Global echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the collective effort to reinvigorate IGSHPA and the industry's progress. 

Facing Challenges Head-On

The discussion also ventured into the challenges faced by professionals in the field, particularly concerning certification and the National Groundwater Exam. 

The need for more relevant and accessible training materials was underscored, and suggestions were made to work closely with organizations like the NGWA to improve the examination process. 

"It's not right that we're blocked in New York State," voiced a concerned participant, highlighting the barriers to accessing incentives due to certification hurdles. 

Looking Ahead: Standards, Certification, and Collaboration

The session concluded with a forward-looking perspective on adopting standards like those developed by ANSI, CSA, and IGSHPA into codes, potentially starting with New York, and the importance of continuous collaboration among manufacturers, educators, and industry bodies. 

"We're looking forward to working with everyone in New York," Hammond concluded, signaling optimism for the industry's future collaborations and advancements. 

As the geothermal industry continues to evolve, the Albany NY-GEO 2024 conference has laid the groundwork for a future where education, standardization, and collaboration drive growth and innovation. 

The industry's commitment to overcoming challenges and collective effort to enhance workforce development underscore its readiness to embrace change and ensure a sustainable future.