Modernized Industrial Training and Assessment Centers will deliver savings to American manufacturers and offer expanded workforce training opportunities
Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation
October 2, 2026
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WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the opening of applications for its Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) program, which provides no-cost technical assessments to small- and medium-sized manufacturers while training the next generation of skilled engineers. These assessments identify an average of $150,000 in annual savings opportunities per facility and have yielded over $1 billion in total savings since 1976.
“The ITAC program is a key component of President Trump’s agenda to strengthen domestic manufacturing and raise up the next generation of engineers, technicians, skilled trades workers, and advanced-degree specialists,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. “This iteration of ITAC will continue to deliver savings to American manufacturers while addressing emerging workforce priorities such as critical minerals, advanced manufacturing technology, and cybersecurity.”
The 36 active ITACs located across the country will complete their most recent five-year projects at the end of 2026. Through this funding opportunity, DOE will select universities to operate two types of ITACs for the next five years: the traditional manufacturing ITACs (Track 1) and a new variant that focuses on mining and mineral processing operations (Track 2).
ITAC assessments are in-depth evaluations of a facility conducted by engineering faculty and students from participating universities. More than 2,400 students receive on-the-job experience through the program each year. To date, the ITAC program has provided more than 169,000 recommendations to enhance the competitiveness of American manufacturers.
The ITAC program is funded through annual appropriations and recompeted every five years to meet evolving industry needs. ITACs are selected by DOE’s Analysis and Strategy Office within the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.
Applications must be submitted by Oct. 30, 2026. For more information, visit the application page. To find an ITAC location near you, visit the program landing page.
The ITAC program is managed by EnergyWerx in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization. This agreement enables EnergyWerx to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of energy solutions.
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