Advancing the energy workforce
ITACs leverage best practices in workforce development to train participants for in-demand energy and manufacturing jobs by providing hands-on technical assistance to small and medium-size manufacturers. Centers provide multiples on federal investment by reducing manufacturing energy costs, increasing the career trajectory of participants and boosting the supply of qualified workers. ITAC impacts are broadly distributed as centers are located at four-year colleges, community colleges, trade schools, and union training programs.
ManufacturersGet a free energy assessment from an ITAC, or third party assessor, and see if you qualify for an implementation grant. | Students and Skilled TradesJump start your career by joining an ITAC at your university, community college, trade school, or union training program. | Schools and OrganizationsLaunch an ITAC and support the next generation of the energy manufacturing workforce. |
Last Updated: Sept. 30, 2026
Apply for a free energy assessment
150,000+
Saved on average
23,000
Manufacturers assessed
161,200+
Recommendations
ITAC assessments are in-depth evaluations of a facility conducted by engineering faculty with upper class and graduate students from a participating university. After a remote survey of the plant, the team conducts a one or two-day site visit to take engineering measurements. The team performs a detailed process analysis to generate specific recommendations with estimates of costs, performance, and payback times. Within 60 days, the plant receives a confidential report detailing the analysis, findings, and recommendations. In six to nine months, the ITAC team calls the plant manager to verify what recommendations have been implemented. Manufacturers can contact the closest ITAC location about receiving an ITAC assessment.
Apply for Implementation Grants
Grants of up to $300k per qualified recommendation are available to implement energy efficiency projects.
Industrial Training and Assessment Center Implementation Grants: BIL 40521 (b)(3)
Implementation Grants are designed to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) implement recommendations made in ITAC or equivalent assessments, such as Onsite Energy CHP-TAP assessments, since 2018. Organizations can also apply to become an ITAC-Equivalent Energy Assessor so that their eligible clients can apply for implementation grants.
Last Updated: Sept. 30, 2026
Drive your career forward. Find an ITAC location near you.
The ITAC network consists of over 50 centers at four-year institutions, community colleges, union training programs, and trade schools, as well as 5 regional Centers of Excellence.
The Department of Energy has established five regional Centers of Excellence from among the highest-performing existing ITACs: Georgia Tech, Lehigh University, Oklahoma State University, San Francisco State University, and Texas A&M University. These selected centers serve as regional hubs for the ITAC Program, advising other ITACs and collaborating with government, nonprofit, labor, and industry actors to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in their respective regions.
ITACs work in tandem with your degree program to provide real-world experience and training at operating industrial facilities. Graduates who participate in an ITAC program develop the sought-after skills necessary to conduct energy, waste, and productivity assessments; use instrumentation and diagnostic equipment; work safely in an industrial environment; and communicate successfully through written reports and presentations to clients.
Interested in quickly joining the clean energy and manufacturing workforce? Each center provides access to an array of training opportunities in areas such as HVAC, Welding, Machining, Mechatronics, and others, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning at manufacturing sites. In as little as a few months to two years, you can be certified, skilled and ready for a high-quality, high-impact career.
ITAC Job Board
Find job or internship opportunities specifically for ITAC students and graduates. Employers can submit a new job listing by emailing jobs@iac.university.
Last Updated: Sept. 30, 2026
Launch an ITAC
The Analysis and Strategy Office has periodic opportunities to join the ITAC network by creating new centers. See below for current and recent funding opportunities:
University-Based Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC)
DOE is accepting applications for its Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) program, which provides no-cost technical assessments to small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) while training the next generation of skilled engineers. Every five years, the program opens up applications, with this iteration introducing a new dual-track model: Track 1 for manufacturing-sector ITACs and Track 2 for mining and mineral processing ITACs.
Join over 50 Schools and Organizations:
Energizing the future of the manufacturing workforce since 1976
Industrial Assessment Centers (formerly called the Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Centers) were created by the Department of Commerce in 1976 in response to the oil embargo and rising energy costs. The program was specifically focused on helping small and medium-sized manufacturing facilities cut back on unnecessary costs from inefficient energy use.
The IAC program was moved to the Department of Energy just after it was formed in 1978 and was later expanded to include evaluations of ineffective production procedures, excess waste production, and other production-related problems. More recent additions to the IAC program scope include improving cybersecurity awareness, exploring smart manufacturing technologies, and implementing comprehensive energy management systems.
In February 2022, the Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chain Office (now known as the Manufacturing Deployment Office) was founded with the ITAC program under its Workforce Deployment program area. Program ownership moved to the Analysis and Strategy Office in 2026.
Contact Us
John Smegal
Email: john.smegal@doe.gov
Mentorship Opportunities
The Women for Energy Efficiency network is a student mentorship organization within the ITACs. WE2 strives to enhance women’s experience in the ITAC program by creating a comfortable, inviting environment to share their work experiences, build a network of mentorship, provide opportunity for leadership development, and to facilitate the exchange of ideas with other bright-minded individuals in the Energy Industry. The WE2 Network is open to all regardless of gender.