IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Henson Joins Nuclear Energy Representatives at Key Industry Conference

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson, Engineering Association/IFPTE Local 1937 President Anthony Chorney, and IFPTE Assistant to the Executive Officers Brian Kildee attended the East Tennessee Economic Council's annual Nuclear Opportunities Workshop in Knoxville this week.  Since its first conference six years ago, this annual event has gone from 70 attendees to more than 1,300 global leaders from corporations, academia, government, research institutions and workforce experts.

"The Knoxville-Oak Ridge region has been the center of nuclear research and innovation since World War II," said Secretary-Treasurer Henson.  "But in the last few years, our region has drawn global attention across the technology sector, as we work to power our future economy while at the same time protecting our natural resources."

While at the conference, Henson was able to meet with influential leaders and partners, including TVA CEO Mike Skaggs, Tennessee State Chief Operating Officer Brandon Gibson, and Tennessee Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Deniece Thomas.  IFPTE's lead in creating a first-in-the-nation STEM Apprenticeship program was highlighted by key industry leaders, including Will Trumm, TVA's Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative, Human Resources and Federal Affairs Officer.  During a panel discussion on workforce development, Trumm introduced Secretary-Treasurer Henson and EA President Chorney to the gathering.  

"It's fitting that our nationwide effort to create this new STEM Apprenticeship program began right here in the Tennessee Valley Region," said Henson.  "The United States will only be able to remain a leader in technology and energy if labor and industry work together collaboratively, as we have proven for decades in the Tennessee Valley Region.  It's been a lot of work for IFPTE, but I'm excited that our union is leading the way in growing the workforce to power the economy of the future."