The Index team recently joined utility leaders, technology providers and workforce development professionals in Orlando for T&D World Live 2026, held Sept. 1–3.
As both an exhibitor and presenter, Index helped advance an important industry conversation: How can utilities prepare employees for increasingly complex operational roles while experienced workers retire, technology evolves and demand on the electric grid continues to grow?
Throughout the conference, members of the Index team connected with attendees at Booth 423 and demonstrated how immersive, multimodal learning solutions can help utilities accelerate training, preserve institutional knowledge and improve workforce readiness.
Exploring the Future of Utility Workforce Training
A highlight of the conference was Session 102, “Scaling Workforce Readiness Through Multimodal Training.”
Index Senior Manager for App Engineering Sam Elkins joined Dr. James Merlo, CEO of the North American Generator Forum (NAGF) and Kyle Bush, Automated Drone Operations Manager at Florida Power & Light, for the panel discussion, moderated by T&D World Managing Editor Jeff Postelwait.
The session examined why workforce readiness is essential for electric utilities. Grid modernization and rapidly changing technologies are emphasizing the importance of preparing employees and new recruits, alike, to have the knowledge and skillset for critical field responsibilities.
Panelists discussed the connection between human performance, training and grid reliability, including why immersive and experiential learning methods can help employees retain information and apply it in real-world situations. The conversation also addressed the need to balance advanced digital learning with the physical, field-oriented nature of utility work.
Other topics included knowledge transfer from experienced employees, the role of artificial intelligence in training and practical recommendations for utilities considering multimodal learning. The panel explored how utilities can identify an appropriate first use case, build internal support and evaluate whether a new training approach is delivering meaningful results.
Elkins also discussed Bloom’s Taxonomy, a framework that moves learning from remembering and understanding to applying, analyzing, evaluating and creating. He explained how immersive, multimodal training can help workers move beyond memorization and practice applying knowledge and making decisions in realistic scenarios. Learn more about how Index is applying Bloom’s Taxonomy to industrial workforce development.
Continuing the Conversation Beyond the Panel
The workforce readiness discussion extended into the T&D World Live exhibit hall, where Index showcased customized mobile applications and eBooks developed in partnership with utilities and other organizations.
These digital tools capture the knowledge of experienced subject matter experts and make it accessible through engaging, on-demand learning experiences. Depending on an organization’s needs, Index solutions can support apprentice training, critical task guidance, talent pipeline development, knowledge retention and consistent instruction across locations and job roles.
Conference attendees had an opportunity to speak directly with the Index team about their workforce challenges and explore how multimodal tools can complement classroom instruction and hands-on field training.
Hear More in the T&D World Podcast
The ideas discussed during the panel were also explored in a recent episode of the T&D World podcast, “Inside the New Playbook for Utility Workforce Readiness.”
Hosted by T&D World Editorial Director Nikki Chandler, the episode features Index’s Scott Sommers and Dr. James Merlo. Their conversation examines how multimodal and immersive learning can help utilities shorten training timelines, preserve institutional knowledge, improve safety and support grid reliability amid significant workforce and industry changes.
Index thanks everyone who attended T&D World Live, participated in the panel discussion and visited Booth 423.