Gillette College to develop new programs, expand current ones to prepare for nuclear industry
GILLETTE (WNE) — Gillette College will soon start up and expand programs to help train the workforce for the nuclear energy industry.
Gillette College will receive federal funding to develop an entry level construction tech program and chemical technology program and enhance and expand current programs needed for the nuclear sector, according to a press release.
It is a partner in the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor Tech Hub, which recently received $31 million in federal implementation funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
This federal award, combined with matching investments from regional partners, will bring more than $40 million to Idaho and Wyoming to strengthen the nation’s advanced energy workforce and supply chain.
The program will help build the skilled workforce needed to support advanced energy projects and growing industry demands across the region.
“This investment creates an exciting opportunity for Gillette College to expand hands-on career and technical education while helping meet workforce needs in Wyoming and across the Intermountain West,” said Janell Oberlander, president of Gillette College, in a press release. “It is fortunate that this is happening as BWXT officially announces their site location in our community. A construction trades program will help our industry partners in all sectors and students will have even more options to stay in our community with a robust job market and employment opportunities.”
The college has met with BWXT staff and has had ongoing conversations about how the school can match the future workforce.
The INEC Tech Hub includes more than 45 industry, education, government, and community partners working together to accelerate advanced energy development and expand workforce training opportunities throughout Idaho and Wyoming.
Regional leaders anticipate the initiative will create hundreds of high-paying energy jobs in the region over the next five years while strengthening economic growth and energy security.
This story was published on July 28, 2026.
Ensure These Stories Are Told
Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.
It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.
Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.
If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.
All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.
Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.