Reskilling and Upskilling for Decarbonization: Analyzing Micro-Credential Programs for Energy Workforce Development

Abstract

Decarbonization and the energy transition require many workers in the incumbent energy industry to transform their knowledge base and skills. Upskilling and reskilling programs that address the skills gap and offer opportunities for continued education are critical for workforce development and social equity. We evaluated if six online energy transition-related micro-credentialing programs met students’ expectations for augmenting foundational knowledge and skills. Additionally, we assessed the role of energy companies in supporting reskilling and upskilling opportunities for their workforce and the potential of micro-credentialing programs for addressing interdisciplinary and continued education needs. The students, predominantly mid- to senior-level energy professionals, were surveyed through a pre-study upon enrollment, a post-study upon completion, and a panel study that measured learning outcomes over six months. Our results evidenced that the programs were successful in supporting continued education by offering new areas of knowledge and meeting students’ expectations of increased foundational knowledge and skills. Most students were also able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills to their jobs while still enrolled in the programs. Moreover, members of the workforce were self-motivated to augment their foundational knowledge and develop their skills through continued education without inducement from their employers.