Powering the future: How GE Vernova and Clemson University are fueling the next-generation workforce and U.S. competitiveness

GE Vernova is looking to Clemson University as a key partner to fill the company’s workforce needs as it invests $650 million in its manufacturing facilities and supply chain over the next two years.

The investment includes $160 million at GE Vernova’s Greenville facility, where the company manufactures gas turbines and expects to hire 650 new employees.

GE Vernova and Clemson collaborated on over 40 different initiatives in 2024, most aimed at creating next-generation engineering talent.

GE Vernova leaders also served on 11 advisory boards at the University. Their business acumen and real-world experience are crucial to helping ensure the University’s curriculum and research align with industry needs.

The GE Vernova-Clemson collaboration and other relationships like are crucial not only to the companies but to South Carolina and the nation. Growing needs of advanced manufacturing, data centers and population growth are driving up demand for energy while rapidly changing the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

John Intile, Vice President, Engineering GE Vernova Gas Power, said that industry and academia working together builds a pipeline of talent that benefits everyone.

“At GE Vernova, we invest in education because it’s essential to ensuring we have skilled engineers and leaders long into the future,” Intile said. “This collaboration isn’t just good for GE Vernova– it’s good for the economy, the industry, and the nation’s ability to compete on a global scale.”

Julio Rodriguez underscores how corporate-university partnerships can have a positive impact on students and shape the future workforce.

Rodriguez participated in two GE Vernova relationships while studying electrical engineering at Clemson. He received a GE Vernova Annual John Lammas Scholarship and volunteered to work with high school students as part of Next Engineers: Engineering Academy Greenville.

Rodiguez, who graduated in May 2023, has launched his career with the GE Vernova Advanced Research Edison Program, which gives him a chance to grow his technical and leadership skills.

“Company engagement in universities is very important,” Rodriguez said. “I remember applying to different jobs and thinking to myself, these people have an opening in my discipline, but I don’t even know what the company does. You can go online and research, but what GE Vernova did differently was they would come to campus, they would hold events with students, and we could personally go and talk to people who work there. It’s a lot more genuine.”

Students who graduate and become engineers often go on to well-paying jobs that allow them to raise families, buy homes and contribute to the economy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage was $100,000 or more for bioengineers, chemical engineers, computer hardware engineers, electrical engineers, environmental engineers and materials engineers.

For civil, industrial and mechanical engineers, the median annual wage fell less than $5,000 short of the $100,000 mark, the bureau found.

GE Vernova’s largest investments in Clemson were in the areas of talent development, research and campus and community impact programs. Some of the highlights include the GE Vernova John Lammas Annual Scholarship and Next Engineers: Engineering Academy Greenville.

Intile has been central to the GE Vernova-Clemson relationship. For several years he has provided valuable guidance as a member of the advisory board for Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

Intile now serves on the President’s Industry Council, where he joins fellow industry executive leaders in shaping the future of the University and driving corporate engagement that aligns with the Clemson Elevate strategic plan and business needs.

“I am thrilled to welcome John Intile to the President’s Industry Council and look forward to his continued leadership and commitment to elevating Clemson University even further,” said University President Jim Clements. “GE Vernova is an incredible partner, and through their investment in and support of our students and faculty, together, we are driving innovation in energy and advanced manufacturing fiercely forward.”

GE Vernova is an incredible partner, and through their investment in and support of our students and faculty, together, we are driving innovation in energy and advanced manufacturing fiercely forward.

President Jim Clements

“Their support has already made a tremendous impact, and with John’s new role on the Council and our continued collaboration, we’re ready to take this collaboration to the next level and achieve even greater success together.”

Angie Leidinger, Clemson’s senior vice president for External Affairs and senior advisor to the Board of Trustees, said GE Vernova’s investments in Clemson help ensure that economic growth in South Carolina and beyond can continue long into the future.

“By working together to develop top-tier talent and cutting-edge research, we’re strengthening not just our University, but the entire region,” she said. “These collaborations fuel innovation, create opportunities and drive economic success for our region and the nation. Today’s students become tomorrow’s alumni and stewards of the economy.”

Anand Gramopadhye, dean of Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, emphasized the importance of industry alliances in preparing students for the workforce.

“The College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences provides world-class education and experiential learning that positions Clemson’s graduates for success and impact in industry and beyond,” Gramopadhye said. “Our relationship with GE Vernova exemplifies how collaboration between academia and industry prepares students with the skills and experiences needed to drive innovation and meet the evolving demands of the technological workforce.”