Last week, the Energy Workforce International Programs Committee hosted the second biannual State Department Houston Energy Course. Now in its 32nd year, this week-long program gives leaders from the U.S. State Department, Department of Commerce, and other federal agencies an in-depth look at the oil and gas industry.
This year, 25 foreign and civil service officers from 14 countries and five federal agencies heard from subject matter experts on the energy outlook, upstream processes, emerging technologies, and midstream and downstream operations. Industry presenters included experts from the Baker Institute at Rice University, Baker Hughes, bp, Caterpillar Oil & Gas; Cheniere, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, HMH, NOV, SLB, TechnipFMC, Weatherford, and Williams. Participants also received exclusive tours of Baker Hughes Center for Technology & Innovation, ExxonMobil’s Laboratory, TechnipFMC’s Hibay and Subsea Controls Lab, and Weatherford’s R&D / Engineering center.
Designed by the International Programs Committee, led by Chris Berrie, Caterpillar, the comprehensive curriculum covers the full energy value chain. Member Companies engaging in this program build lasting relationships with officers stationed abroad, often reconnecting as opportunities arise. The course also offers a platform to showcase American innovation, advanced technologies, and the scale of U.S. energy projects to a new audience.
The training concluded with a private leadership dinner, where Energy Workforce Member Company leaders connected with participants to strengthen relationships across the global energy landscape. Ambassador David Satterfield, Director of Rice University’s Baker Institute, underscored the importance of State Department officers understanding the energy industry to better support American companies abroad through the lens of diplomacy and energy policy priorities.
For more information or to join the International Programs Committee, contact Energy Workforce VP Programs & Events Peggy Helfert.
Peggy Helfert, Vice President Programs & Events, writes about the Energy Workforce’s sector-specific best practices and leadership. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
