The Energy Workforce & Technology Council’s highly regarded Foreign Service Officer Energy Industry Training brought together 30 U.S. foreign and civil service officers stationed in 26 countries in a virtual format to receive an overview of oil and gas industry achievements in efficiency, sustainability, global poverty reduction, and local development.
“The Council’s FSO training course is a collaborative effort designed to familiarize U.S. State Department foreign and civil service officers with the energy industry,” said Council CEO Leslie Beyer. “The program drives stronger collaboration with operations around the world and influences informed energy policy decisions in country. Like other Council training programs, the FSO course addresses advanced technologies that are the future of our industry, as well as the dynamic geopolitical and economic landscape in which we operate.”
The Council founded 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 promotes better-informed decisions at embassy posts around the world.
The International Programs Committee designed the curriculum in collaboration with E&P partners, academia and Council members. Sessions could not be held in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but committee members agreed it was important to provide the training virtually to give foreign and civil service officers the grounding they need in the energy industry for their work with representing the United States.
During the four-day program, students viewed presentations from industry and subject matter experts at Baker Hughes, BP, Chevron, Citi, Gaffney, Cline & Associates, Exterran, Halliburton, NOV Inc., Rice University’s Baker Institute, Schlumberger and TechnipFMC.
Throughout the week, the group engaged in live question and answer sessions with company representatives about topics such as the global role of the energy industry, energy transition, technologies that drive the industry, the international regulatory landscape, and the industry’s future.
Small group networking sessions were a highlight of the week. These sessions provided Council members the opportunity to connect with FSOs who will serve in countries where they have operations. Board of Directors Vice Chair Mike Reeves, President & CEO, Rubicon Oilfield International, and Board Member Galen Cobb, VP Industry Relations, Halliburton, addressed participants to share background on the program and the importance of collaboration between industry and the federal government.
To meet growing interest from the U.S. State Department and Foreign Service Institute, the Council conducts FSO trainings twice a year. The next session is scheduled for August 2021.
For more information or to join the International Programs Committee, contact Council COO Molly Determan.
