Micro-Credentialing Programs in UH Energy - University of Houston
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Micro-Credentialing Programs in UH Energy

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  • HYDROGEN PIPELINES: FACTS, OPPORTUNITIES & SOLUTIONS

    This program will offer a broad overview of the history of hydrogen and its pivotal role in the need for decarbonization, including the different production methods and uses of hydrogen. Specifically, the need for hydrogen pipelines, and the differences between hydrogen and natural gas pipelines, will be covered. Additionally, this course will explore the embrittling effects of gaseous hydrogen and aspects such as risk management, the requirements for a holistic hydrogen conversion and integrity management process and more.

  • AI & ROBOTICS FOR ENERGY INTEGRITY

    Integrating robotics into inspection processes significantly enhances efficiency in data collection. The ability of robots to gather extensive data strengthens the demand for robust data analysis and management solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing complex data sets, significantly enhancing efficiency, innovation, and decision-making across various industries. The synergistic use of robots and AI can revolutionize inspection methodologies, streamline processes, and set new industry benchmarks. To stay with the trend, we offer this AI & Robotics for Energy Integrity course that uses popular inspection methods and use cases to provide an ideal introduction of AI for professionals in the energy industry. This course is instructed by subject matter experts from both industry and the University of Houston, and will help participants enhance their understanding of AI and seamlessly integrate AI and robotic solutions into their workflows.

  • Elastomers: Behavior and Failure in Critical Environments

    In the realm of material science, elastomers offer many advantages. They are soft materials, with high extensibility and low modulus, that exhibit excellent wear resistance and fatigue properties. They can perform in very low temperatures as well as moderately high temperatures. Elastomers are used to make tires, conveyor belts, seals, hoses and for many other applications. Proper understanding of their behavior is a necessity to ensure safety and efficiency.

    The material developed for this course was partially paid for with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury through the State of Texas under the Resources, and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Texas or the Department of the Treasury.

  • Upstream Energy Data Analytics Program

    NEW SESSION OPENING: SPRING 2024 Energy professionals – current and future – must gain deeper insights into operational data for making tough decisions for the best business outcomes. UH Energy’s new Upstream Energy Data Analytics Program answers this need for the upstream oil and gas industry. Each badge is a 15-hour module, delivered over a three-week period, and the badges are stackable. The first three badges, which together form the Bronze Belt in Upstream Energy Data Analytics, are available online.

    UH Energy is working with the Department of Petroleum Engineering and the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UH, and with UH Clear Lake and UH Downtown to accelerate the integration of these micro-credential programs into the formal degree plans at each of these institutions.

  • CCUS Executive Education Program

    Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is recognized by the International Energy Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy as a necessity for the de-carbonization of our society. Markets such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, electric power, hydrogen, and the circular plastics economy all ride on the shoulders of the broad commercial deployment of CCUS. If you are working in industry or if energy is a significant part of your activities and interests, this course is a must. Participants will understand the technology and economics of the value proposition impacts - as well as the challenges to overcome.

    The material developed for this course was partially paid for with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury through the State of Texas under the Resources, and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Texas or the Department of the Treasury.

  • Data Analytics for the Process Industries Program

    We have all heard terms like data analytics, AI, machine learning, deep learning, or similar. What do they all mean? How can an industry professional master them? Data Analytics for the Process Industries demystifies the field for industry professionals and students. Designed and presented by industry leaders and accomplished faculty from UH, it answers the question: “What does data analytics mean for the process industries?”

  • Sustainable Energy Development Program

    ONLINE-ONLY SESSION OPENING: SPRING 2024 T The world of energy is changing. Society today has a few key fundamental expectations for our energy future: It must be affordable, secure and reliable, and environmentally responsible – all of which make up the Energy Trilemma. Advancing solutions that simultaneously satisfy all elements of this complex combination are the foundation and essence of the Sustainable Energy Development Program developed by UH Energy.

    It is an interactive online program, to equip you – the rising energy professional – with skills, knowledge and expertise to tackle the greatest energy challenges of our world.

  • The Hydrogen Economy Program

    This interactive, online educational program shares insights into the technology, economics, policy, and business drivers and barriers for hydrogen, both in the short term and in the long term. It examines hydrogen’s production, transportation, safety, use, and commercial opportunities. It also includes a capstone project to consolidate the learnings, and to better equip you – the rising energy professional – with skills, knowledge and expertise to thrive in the Hydrogen Economy.

    The material developed for this course was partially paid for with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury through the State of Texas under the Resources, and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Texas or the Department of the Treasury
  • ESG in Energy Program

    The energy industry faces challenges in the ESG area that include increased public expectations and actions amidst a global pandemic, growing environmental and climate actions, worker and community health and safety, and acknowledgement of basic human rights for all, and more principled corporate governance. For this reason, UH Energy, at the University of Houston, has developed the ESG in Energy Program, to equip current and aspiring professionals in the energy industry to further their skills in this ever-evolving field.

  • No Code Analytics and Machine Learning in Energy

    Data science is already playing an important role in addressing several industry challenges. However, industry leaders have recognized there is a shortage of energy industry professionals with practical knowledge of data science. For this reason, UH Energy and the Subsea Systems Institute developed the No Code Analytics and Machine Learning in Energy course. This program equips current and aspiring professionals in the energy industry with data analytics concepts and hands-on experience working with real-world examples, using readily accessible tools that do not require extensive programming skills. This program is designed, developed and delivered jointly by subject matter experts from the University of Houston System and from industry.

    The material developed for this course was partially paid for with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury through the State of Texas under the Resources, and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Texas or the Department of the Treasury.

  • Robotics in Energy

    There is a growing demand for robotics systems in production, inspection, and maintenance within the energy industry – for both onshore and offshore operations– driven by the desire to minimize the risk of human exposure to hazardous environments and reduce operating costs. However, a significant gap exists between the current workforce's expertise and the rapidly evolving technologies. Deploying robots in inspecting, monitoring, and maintaining energy assets requires an in-depth understanding of robotic systems, including the ability to identify specific use cases, assess the impact of robotics on the business, and maintain the value of the robot to ensure it continues to operate safely and profitably.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

Decarbonization and the energy transition require many workers in the incumbent energy industry to transform their knowledge base and skills. Upskilling and reskilling programs that address the skills gap and offer opportunities for continued education are critical for workforce development and social equity. We evaluated if six of UH Energy's micro-credentialing programs met students’ expectations for augmenting foundational knowledge and skills. Additionally, we assesses the role of energy companies in supporting reskilling and upskilling opportunities for their workforce and the potential of micro-credentialing programs for addressing interdisciplinary and continued education. The students, predominantly mid to senior-level energy professionals, were surveyed through a pre-study upon enrollment, a post-study upon completion, and a panel study that measured learning outcomes over six months. Our results evidence that the programs were successful in supporting continued education by offering new areas of knowledge and meeting students’ expectations of increased foundational knowledge and skills. Most students were also able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills to their jobs while still enrolled in the programs. Moreover, the workforce is self-motivated to augment their foundational knowledge and develop their skills through continued education without inducement from their employers.

"Reskilling and Upskilling for Decarbonization: Analyzing Micro-credential Programs for Energy Workforce Development".
Aparajita Datta, Stephanie Coates, Alan Rossiter, and Ramanan Krishnamoorti.

Manuscript forthcoming in the Journal of Continuing Higher Education.
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