A pair of state grants is set to give a boost to geothermal workforce training in Massachusetts, with the Geothermal Drillers Association (GDA) and the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) teaming up to expand access to the field. 

The funding, awarded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center, will help cover new drilling equipment - including a dedicated drill rig and a mobile classroom - while also supporting hands-on training programs aimed at bringing more people into geothermal careers. 

At its core, the effort is about building a stronger pipeline of workers. GDA plans to turn its existing two-week geothermal drilling tutorial into a more structured training and certification program, opening doors for students, veterans and workers transitioning out of the gas industry. The first group of trainees could begin as early as fall 2026, depending on how quickly equipment is secured. 

In the meantime, there’s no waiting to get started. GDA is rolling out a two-week intensive program in the Greater Boston area this April, giving participants a chance to learn in the classroom and then step onto active drilling sites to see the work up close. 

The program runs full-time for 80 hours and covers everything from the basics of geothermal boreholes to how drilling changes depending on underground conditions. By the end, participants will have followed a project from start to finish and learned key safety and workplace practices. Those who complete the course receive a Field Technician Readiness certificate and may be considered for paid apprenticeships. 

• Introduction to the science behind geothermal boreholes and loop fields.
• The roles, requirements, and fundamentals of drilling boreholes.
• Drilling disciplines and how they react to different subsurface conditions.
• The lifecycle of the drilling process, from a single borehole to an entire borefield.      

Beyond training, GDA and HEET are also thinking bigger. Through their work with the Geothermal Market Capacity Coalition, they’re looking to tackle broader industry challenges like labor shortages and limited equipment. Part of that vision includes creating regional training hubs to standardize skills and improve job placement across the country. 

Officials say the initiative reflects a broader push to expand clean energy while creating stable, skilled jobs.

“As Massachusetts rises to the challenge of building a more affordable energy future, HEET is so delighted to be a part of this critical investment in a next generation of geothermal drillers,” said HEET Executive Director Zeyneb Magavi, adding that the effort helps local businesses meet demand while creating jobs and expanding access to reliable, affordable energy. 

Stacy Kinnaly, executive director of GDA, said geothermal projects and workforce development efforts can help drive economic growth by engaging new workers and reconnecting displaced workers with stable careers, while also strengthening local energy systems. 

GDA cofounder and president Brock Yordy emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying the grants will help support the organization’s mission to grow and strengthen the geothermal workforce nationwide.

To learn more, prospective students may visit GDA's Upcoming Offerings webpage or register interest in joining our basic geothermal driller training via this Form by April 20.  

For more information, visit www.gdadrillers.org or contact Stacy Kinnaly, Executive Director at stacy@gdadrillers.org or 617-285-7132.

Media Contacts:

Stacy Kinnaly
Executive Director
Geothermal Drillers Association 
stacy@gdadrillers.org
617-285-7132

Brock Yordy  
Founder
Geothermal Drillers Association
Brock@gdadrillers.org
269-348-5156