Energy Workforce Members and guests learned how to leverage the upcoming 2027 workforce development programs during a recent webinar on October 30. Program content providers and facilitators from Heidrick & Struggles, FranklinCovey, Opportune, VectisOS and Accenture were available to discuss the programs and answer questions.
The information provided in the webinar is key for those involved in budget planning for the upcoming year, ensuring employees across the industry are strategically equipped for optimal performance.
A Message on Growth at Every Career Level
Energy Workforce and Technology Council President Molly Determan and Kelly Munson, Chair of the People and Culture Committee, recently hosted a meeting to review the year’s workforce development offerings. Kelly walked through the full range of programs: technical training, industry overviews, financial literacy, and leadership development. The goal is to support employee growth at every stage of a career.
Partners then took turns presenting their programs, starting with EWTC’s flagship leadership offerings.
Leadership Programs: Now More Hands-On
Laura Gironda, Heidrick & Struggles presented updates to EWTC’s leadership programs, including the Executive Leadership Program, which has run for more than 10 years in partnership with Heidrick & Struggles.
What’s new and what’s offered:
- Executive leadership: Enterprise-Level: A new, in-person program offered for senior directors, VPs, and officers, held in March and September which includes virtual touchpoints between sessions. The program includes four executive coaching sessions and mentorship opportunities.
- Executive leadership: Director-Level: A dedicated programfor senior managers and directors, held in March and September. An in-person program is available which includes two, full-day sessions and virtual touch points along the way as well as a virtual option with 4 quarterly sessions. The program includes four executive coaching sessions and mentorship opportunities.
- Frontline leaders: Foundational training for those leading teams. These two-day courses are offered under Frontline Leadership and Core Leadership.
- Next-Level Leadership (new): A follow-on offering for graduates of frontline leadership training who want to keep developing.
Upcoming Training Courses
Jonathan Smith, Franklin Covey reviewed three upcoming courses:
- Sales and Business Development: A 3-day, in-person program for client-facing staff, focused on improving client interactions and deal outcomes.
- Finance for Non-Finance Leaders: A one-day session that helps leaders understand key financial concepts. A virtual option is also available.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: The well-known leadership and effectiveness program.
Power Markets
Dan Romito, Opportune discussed the Power Markets course, which explores the convergence of energy, power, and technology markets, with particular attention to hyperscale data centers and emerging technologies. This one-day course entitled Power Markets: What Energy Leaders Need to Know will be offered this December 10, 2026 as well as in 2027.
AI Training and Partnerships
EWTC will continue to partner with providers to address the ever-changing landscape of AI.
Megan Scott, Accenture, highlighted Accenture’s partnership with EWTC, including existing AI courses for business leaders and new content in development focused on workforce transformation.
Alex Sheehan, VectisOS, introduced two new programs, Applied AI for Functional Leaders and AI Champions. Both are designed to help frontline managers and department leads put AI tools to work in their daily roles.
Industry and Technical Training
Molly shared information about the annual Oil & Gas 101 seminar, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Taught by member companies, it will cover upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. She also highlighted the annual State of Energy Services conference, Supply Chain conference and the Energy Technology conference. She spoke to the content of each and emphasized the practical applications and benefits of all of Energy Workforce’s training programs for various roles and industries.
Jeff Emerick of Energy Workforce previewed EWTC’s SecureWell technical offerings:
- Well Control & Containment Certification Program: For well servicing operations.
- Person in Charge Well Control Supervisor Course: For supervisors.
- Plug-in Abandonment (in development): A new course being built with RelyOn.
How to Use Training Strategically
Kelly Munson encouraged member companies to treat these programs as development opportunities for high-potential employees during succession planning. She also stressed the importance of communicating thoughtfully with selected participants about the value of taking part, so they understand that selection is an investment in their future with the company.
Early bird pricing will be available through December 31, 2026.
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.
