The Energy Workforce & Technology Council conducted its second Foreign Service Officer Energy Industry Training of 2021 this past week. The program brought together 30 U.S. foreign and civil service officers stationed in 16 countries and the nation’s capital in a virtual format to receive an overview of energy industry achievements in efficiency, sustainability, global poverty reduction and local development.
“The Council’s FSO training course is designed as a cooperative effort among all segments of the industry to provide U.S. State Department foreign and civil service officers with a greater understanding of the energy industry,” said Council CEO Leslie Beyer. “Through the program, we’re driving stronger collaboration with operations around the world and helping leaders make informed in-country energy policy decisions. We cover advanced technologies shaping the future of our industry, as well as the complex geopolitical and economic landscape affecting our operations.”
In preparation for the week, students viewed recorded presentations from industry and subject matter experts from GoExpedi, Exterran, Key Energy Services, BP, New Climate Ventures, Baker Hughes, Rice University’s Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies, Chevron, Schlumberger, NOV, Gaffney, Cline & Associates, Halliburton, TechnipFMC and Weatherford.
During live discussions, the group engaged in question and answer sessions with company representatives about topics such as the global role of the energy industry, ESG, the future of energy, exploration, business development, technical aspects of drilling and constructing a well, onshore and offshore issues, midstream and downstream topics, and technologies being developed and deployed.
Small group networking sessions were a highlight of the week. These sessions provided Council members the opportunity to connect with FSOs serving in countries where they have operations.
The Council established the training program 28 years ago to educate global energy influencers on the innovations and business dynamics of the energy industry. The program strengthens relationships between industry and U.S. interests abroad and empowers foreign service officers to inform decision-makers at embassy posts around the world.
The International Programs Committee designed the curriculum in collaboration with E&P partners, academia, and Council members. The next session takes place in early 2022.
For more information or to join the International Programs Committee, please contact Council Senior Director Programs & Events Peggy Helfert.
Kevin Broom, Director Communications and Research, writes about the Council’s sector-specific best practices and leadership. Click here to subscribe to the Council’s newsletter, which highlights industry practices, workforce development, Council activities and more.
