Last week Energy Workforce hosted its biannual State Department Houston Energy Course, with the participation of twenty-seven U.S. foreign and civil service officers stationed in 14 countries. This immersive program held in Houston provided a comprehensive exploration of the oil and gas industry, covering all sectors and aspects of the value chain.
Throughout the course, students had the privilege of attending presentations delivered by industry and subject matter experts. Distinguished contributors included representatives from the Baker Institute at Rice University, Baker Hughes, bp, Caterpillar Oil & Gas, Cheniere, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Helmerich & Payne, HMH, Kodiak Gas Services, NOV, Oceaneering, Phillips66, SLB, TechnipFMC, and the Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State.
Engaging question and answer sessions allowed participants to interact with company representatives, delving into crucial topics such as energy security, energy expansion and technology, exploration, business development, technical aspects of drilling and well construction, onshore and offshore challenges, midstream and refining issues, as well as emerging technologies.
Since its establishment in 1993, the Houston Energy Course has served as a valuable platform for fostering collaboration between the energy industry and government officials. This partnership between the Energy Workforce and the State Department plays a pivotal role in supporting government officials representing the United States abroad. The curriculum for this program, designed by the International Programs Committee in collaboration with E&P partners, academia, and Energy Workforce Members, aims to facilitate a dynamic exchange of knowledge. The next session is scheduled to take place in August 2025, offering further opportunities for industry and government collaboration.
For additional information or to become part of the International Programs Committee, interested individuals can reach out to Deidre Kohlrus, Energy Workforce VP of Government Affairs.
Deidre Almstead Kohlrus, Senior Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
