Energy production across America is shifting. In communities where fossil fuel production was once a primary economic driver, alternative energy is bringing new jobs and expanding opportunity. To harness the energy of the earth in geothermal power production, multidisciplinary teams of engineers, geologists, geophysicists, renewable power experts, and many others are required. The Inflation Reduction Act (2022) incentivizes companies to operate in the once-mining communities, pay a living and competitive wage, and employ registered apprentices whose skill and expertise will be expanded by learning opportunities as part of their apprenticeship. That’s where SUU comes in.

Southern Utah University is positioned to provide the Required Technical Instruction (RTI) these apprentices need to boost their skill, strengthen the clean energy workforce, and qualify their employers for IRA incentives. In conjunction with companies such as Fervo Energy, SUU now offers RTI courses in clean energy to working laborers, designed for their busy schedules to complement the mentorship they receive on the job. 

How the Earth Works is the first of these courses. It is a 14 week, fully online course with assignments clustered flexibly. Participants will learn about the geologic processes, internal structure, and landforms of earth and how geologic processes change the earth and impact the human population. 

• Understanding Geologic Processes: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of key geologic processes, such as plate tectonics, erosion, and sedimentation, equipping them with knowledge vital for geothermal energy production.
• Exploring Earth’s Internal Structure: The course will delve into the internal structure of the Earth, enabling apprentices to comprehend how geological formations impact energy resources and their extraction.
• Connecting Geology and Human Impact: Learners will explore the relationship between geological changes and their effects on human populations, fostering an awareness of environmental considerations in energy production.
• Application of Knowledge: Participants will engage in practical assignments that apply geologic concepts to real-world scenarios in the renewable energy sector, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
• Preparation for Advanced Roles: By completing this course, apprentices will be better prepared for advanced roles in the clean energy workforce, contributing to projects that harness geothermal energy and other renewable resources.
• Certification and Skill Enhancement: Successful completion of the course may lead to certification that enhances participants’ qualifications, making them more competitive in the job market and better aligned with IRA incentives for employers.