Initiatives

Workforce Development

MTERA Workforce Development

MTERA was established to provide an urgently needed space for Midwest Tribal energy professionals to collaborate on sustainable energy development, grounded in the belief that all Tribes benefit from sharing expertise and resources, learning from neighboring Tribal perspectives, and accessing trusted partnership networks. 

Today, MTERA represents 33 of the 35 federally recognized Tribal Nations across Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. Each Tribe appoints a Tribal Energy Champion (TEC) to serve on MTERA’s Board of Directors, guiding the organization’s priorities, projects, and partnerships. Through this model, MTERA is deeply connected with nearly every Midwest Tribe, united by the mission to deliver community-scale benefits and advance Tribal energy sovereignty. 

Workforce development is central to this mission – true energy sovereignty means that Tribes not only define their energy futures, but also have the capacity to implement and sustain them. Today, MTERA not only serves as a collaborative platform for energy teams, but also directly invests in the expertise of TECs to carry out each Tribe’s vision. 

Tribal workforce development needs are broad and complex, requiring collaboration among diverse partners: training providers, contractors and unions, educational institutions, energy utilities, and both Tribal and non-Tribal governments. MTERA’s workforce development mission is straightforward, to: 

1) Empower Tribal Energy Champions (TECs) to identify and achieve their energy sovereignty goals. 

2) Connect TECS & Tribal energy teams with the resources and partnerships they need to succeed. 

To learn more about MTERA’s workforce development initiatives, contact Samantha Trvalik, Director of Tribal Energy Workforce Development, at samantha.trvalik@mtera.org, or explore the pages to the left to see how our initiatives support different audiences and discover opportunities relevant to you.

Tribal Energy Champions & Teams

MTERA’s work is guided by a governing board of Tribal Energy Champions (TECs), representing each of the 33 MTERA Member Tribes. These champions are Tribal representatives who lead or support their Nation’s efforts to advance energy sovereignty, sustainability, and self-determination – and serve as a vital connection between MTERA and our partners, Tribal leadership, Tribal energy teams, and broader Tribal communities.

Our current workforce initiatives prioritize investing in these energy champions and their teams, grounded in the belief that strengthening Tribal energy leadership is the most effective path to lasting change.
MTERA and our partners support TECs directly through: 
  • Professional Development: Offering workshops, leadership training, and peer-learning opportunities to strengthen skills in energy planning, project management, and community engagement. 
  • Technical Training: Providing hands-on training in renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency practices, and workforce development programs tailored to Tribal needs. 
  • Workforce Planning Support: Assisting TECs in building internal capacity by designing workforce strategies, identifying training pipelines, and connecting Tribal members to career pathways in energy. 
  • Networking and Partnerships: Facilitating connections with technical experts, contractors, training providers, and other Tribes to expand resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. 

Tribal Education Hubs

MTERA Member Tribes have identified one of the most important elements of their long-term workforce vision as “Tribes training Tribes.” To further this mission, MTERA not only facilitates mentorship opportunities directly with our Tribal Energy Champions (TECs), but also collaborates with Tribal education hubs to strengthen the capacity of Tribal Nations to deliver energy-related education. 

Tribal education hubs may include:
  • Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) 
  • K–12 schools serving Tribal Members
  • Tribal-led training organizations
  • Tribal youth development programs 
  • Other Tribal institutions supporting education and workforce development 

How Tribal Education Hubs can Engage with MTERA and our Partners

  • Develop and Enhance Programming: Create new energy-focused courses, curricula, and instructional materials. 
  • Integrate Existing Resources: Identify and adapt proven programs or modules for their own institutions. 
  • Engage Tribal Learners: Recruit students and community members to participate in energy-related programming. 
  • Strengthen Instructor Capacity: Build technical expertise through Train-the-Trainer initiatives, workshops, and professional development. 
  • Facilitate Hands-On Learning: Provide opportunities for field experience, lab work, or project-based training. 
  • Support Career Pathways: Connect participants with apprenticeships, internships, and industry mentoring programs. 
  • Evaluate and Share Outcomes: Collect feedback, measure impact, and share best practices across Tribes. 
  • Access Funding Opportunities: Explore grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to build or expand educational offerings. 

Interested in engaging with MTERA to build your training program? Contact our team to learn more. 

Partners & Supporters

MTERA is deeply grateful for our growing network of workforce development partners. Partnership is essential to supporting Tribes in advancing their energy goals by helping bridge capacity gaps through relevant resources, expertise, and collaboration. Many Tribes require support that calls for coordination with external entities, while many organizations are eager to contribute to Tribal energy development but lack a clear pathway to do so. MTERA works to bridge this gap, reducing the burden for both Tribes and partners. 

Much of MTERA’s role in workforce development involves connecting the right partners with the right projects and ensuring these collaborations align with Tribal energy sovereignty and the priorities of MTERA’s Member Tribes. Our partners either bring established experience engaging meaningfully with Tribal Nations or demonstrate a strong commitment to working with MTERA to build that understanding. 

Rather than “reinventing the wheel,” MTERA leverages proven models and existing expertise to guide program design and implementation.

We collaborate with Tribal leadership, Tribal and non-Tribal colleges and universities, training providers, labor unions, contractors, and others to create pathways for Tribes to strengthen their energy expertise and workforce — and for energy stakeholders to engage with Tribes in a way that is respectful, equitable, and impactful. 

Partner with MTERA to Support Midwest Tribes 


MTERA Member Tribes have identified the following types of partners they seek to engage with on workforce projects — and the ways those partners can best support Tribal priorities. 

Types of Partners: 

  • Training & Education Partners: Support hands-on learning, curriculum development, and career pathways through Tribal and non-Tribal colleges, training providers, and educational programs. 
  • Industry & Labor Partners: Offer apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and contracting opportunities that build Tribal workforce experience in renewable energy and related trades. 
  • Technical & Research Partners: Provide expertise, data, and mentorship to strengthen Tribal capacity for energy planning, implementation, and maintenance. 
  • Funding & Philanthropic Partners: Help offset costs through grants, sponsorships, or investments that expand Tribal access to training and workforce initiatives. 
  • Community & Government Partners: Collaborate with Tribes to align programs, policies, and community engagement efforts in support of energy sovereignty and sustainable workforce growth. 

Ways to Partner with MTERA: 

  • Collaborate with Tribes: Contact us to inquire about working directly with MTERA Member Tribes and other partners across the energy industry. 
  • Share Opportunities: Notify our team of upcoming trainings, webinars, or events relevant to Midwest Tribes so we can share them with our Tribal Energy Champions (TECs). 
  • Contribute Resources: Provide materials such as training & educational resources, technical or industry expertise, or direct financial support to strengthen Tribal energy capacity. 
  • Sponsor Participation: Sponsor a TEC, training, or event to help offset costs that may otherwise be prohibitive for Tribes. 

Interested in partnering with MTERA to advance Tribal energy workforce development in the Midwest? Contact our team to learn how to get involved.

Training Opportunities

MTERA offers training opportunities designed to build Tribal capacity in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and community energy planning. Our trainings support Tribal staff, leaders, and community members at all stages of their energy journey – from those new to the field to experienced practitioners seeking to deepen technical knowledge.

Current Training Opportunities
Tribal Energy Champions Foundations Training

June 15-18, 2026 (10am – 3pm CST)

The Tribal Energy Champions Foundations Training is a virtual learning experience designed for Tribal staff and leaders who are responsible for supporting energy projects or programs in their communities.

Participants will gain foundational knowledge in:

  • Renewable energy technologies
  • Energy efficiency and building performance
  • Utility systems and energy planning
  • Project development and implementation
  • Funding and grant management
  • Community engagement and communication

This training also provides opportunities to connect with other Tribal energy professionals, share experiences, and build lasting relationships across the region.

Who should attend:

  • Tribal energy staff
  • Facilities and housing staff
  • Environmental or natural resources staff
  • Tribal administrators and program managers
  • Emerging energy leaders

Contact MTERA’s Director of Workforce Development, Samantha Trvalik, at samantha.trvalik@mtera.org to apply.