Center for Energy Workforce Development Champions Career Programming, Expands Next-Gen Reach
As the energy industry navigates an era of transformation fueled by the energy evolution, technological advancements, and an increased demand in energy consumption, the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is intensifying its efforts to cultivate a robust and talent ready pipeline. CEWD attended the SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta and spotlighted its initiatives to raise awareness for diverse energy careers and deliver career-readiness programming to empower the next generation.
“The industry has a need to fill 32 million jobs over the next decade, and we remain steadfast in our goal to meet that demand by creating a skilled workforce capable of powering America’s energy future,” said Missy Henriksen, CEWD’s executive director. “We’re working to ensure that the next generation is not only aware of energy career pathways and opportunities, but also prepared to step into them. Our expanded outreach this year, particularly with SkillsUSA, is pivotal to engaging students early and guiding them toward impactful energy careers.”
Explore CEWD’s career programming and initiatives at www.GetIntoEnergy.org.
CEWD recognizes the importance of early engagement in shaping career interests and has developed programs that support both students and teachers in their career exploration and learning journeys, inclusive of:
- Inaugural Try-A-Skill Activation at SkillsUSA: CEWD will host a Try-a-Skill activation at its booth during this year’s SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference to give student participants an opportunity to learn about potential careers and essential skills needed for the energy industry.
- DECA Student Challenge: Later this fall, CEWD will launch its first student challenge with DECA featuring a workforce development campaign to ignite Gen Z’s career interest in energy.
- Energy Industry Fundamentals 2.0: CEWD offers EIF 2.0, a free 120-hour curriculum that educates high school and college students about energy and its careers. Educators can easily access lesson plans, student materials, activities, and pacing guides to use alongside existing educational tracks. The curriculum is available in English and Spanish.
- Energy and Natural Resources Career Cluster Curriculum: CEWD will release this summer an array of resources for educators and employers to support adoption of energy curriculum in classrooms and ultimately, acceptance of the new Energy and Natural Resources Career Cluster for career and technical education students.
Beyond education, CEWD delivers targeted programs to bridge the skills gap and expand access to careers in the industry. This includes initiatives like Troops to Energy Jobs, an initiative to help veterans transition into energy, as well as strategic partnerships with local affiliates of UnidosUS and the National Urban League to develop career pathways that open doors for all communities.
Nearing its 20th anniversary in 2026, CEWD continues to adapt and expand its efforts to meet the evolving needs of the energy industry. Henriksen added, “By investing in these programs, CEWD, with support from the industry and our many partners, is on a path to future-proof the workforce and enhance the ways in which we advocate and prepare for filling energy jobs, building long-term careers for emerging professionals in the process.”
CEWD | www.cewd.org
