In episode 16 of The Driller Newscast, anchor Brock Yordy discusses the qualities that can help a person succeed in the drilling industry with Dave Bowers, instructor with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 AFL-CIO, Apprentice and Skill Improvement Program. Lots of people could be drillers, but the industry struggles to get them to choose drilling over other trades.
In episode 15 of The Driller Newscast, anchor Brock Yordy talks about United States government efforts to increase geothermal and other carbon-free energy sources. This week, he spotlights the Department of Energy’s recent selection of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to receive up to $6 million to help expand the deployment of geothermal heating and cooling technology at federal sites.
Everybody talks about a lack of good job candidates for skilled trades like drilling and construction. But veterans, as a group, can offer a lot of what drilling companies need — starting with a methodical, get-it-done approach to work. In episode 14, anchor Brock Yordy talks to Rob Meyer of Talon/LPE about his transition from the military to civilian workforce and the value of a veteran perspective.
Drillers are, of course, familiar with water supply: You drill a hole, water (hopefully) comes out. But what about demand? In episode 13, anchor Brock Yordy has updates on the global water crisis, plus celebrates student winners of DOE’s 2022 Geothermal Collegiate Competition.
Just how strong is the U.S. supply chain for cobalt, lithium and other materials critical for everything from mobile phone batteries to solar panels? What does responsible extraction of those materials look like? In episode 12, anchor Brock Yordy considers the interplay of environmental benchmarks and the responsible extraction of critical minerals in the United States.
In episode 11 of The Driller Newscast, anchor Brock Yordy talks about recent trench-related fatalities in construction, then interviews Tom Howe of Western Michigan University’s Hydrogeology Field Course.
In episode 10, anchor Brock Yordy wraps up his three-part series on bringing younger generations into drilling and construction, then interviews professor Jim Smith of Ontario’s Fleming College.