20 PRIMING THE TALENT PIPELINE In the nearly 70 years since the United States Atomic Energy Commission came to Idaho, one thing that has remained constant is the profound effect it has had on the workforce at a local, regional and state level. Today, Idaho National Laboratory stands on the threshold of a new era. The lab is a key player in regional and national efforts to create the energy and technology workforce of tomorrow. But over 40 percent of INL’s workforce is at least 50 years of age and approaching retirement. Combined with a growth in business volume at the lab, developing a talent pipeline is one of INL’s most important missions.The impending shortage not only affects researchers, there is also an acute need for highly trained, qualified and talented technicians and mechanics. The University Workforce Development Program helps create an environment in which technology can be brought to market by meeting industry needs and making sure the next generation of tech workers is prepared to step into the shoes of the longtime employees. This is done in a variety of ways, including support for economic development agencies, universities and graduate programs. UniversityWorkforce Development STEM EDUCATION Through University Partnerships, INL supports STEM education in public schools and partners with universities on a number of programs. A partnership among INL, Idaho State University (ISU) and Partners for Prosperity, an eastern Idaho-based nonprofit organization, resulted in the creation of the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC), part of ISU’s College of Technology, in Pocatello.The skill requirements have been developed in partnership with energy utilities and vendors to assure that program graduates enter the workforce with the precise skills required by the energy industry in a broad spectrum of electrical, oil, gas, renewable and allied manufacturing sectors. Students learn through traditional classroom experience and extensive laboratory exercises. Electrical generation technologies addressed include nuclear, coal, gas and renewable technologies. INL HAD SEVEN ESTEC INTERNS IN 2017 7 ESTEC INTERNS Name Major/Department Degree Pursued Balls,Daniel EnergySystem  NuclearOperationsTechnology Associate Beaman,Chelsea EnergyInstrumentationEngineeringTechnician Associate Bybee,Alex NuclearEngineering Associate Kriner,Miranda EnergySystem  NuclearOperationsTechnology Associate Morgan,Courtney EnergyInstrumentationEngineeringTechnician Associate Munson,David NuclearOperations Associate Skinner,Kevin EnergyInstrumentationEngineeringTechnician Associate