Careers in Energy

In  2023, 5% of all US jobs were in the energy sector (USEER Report).  The clean energy transition for generating electricity from renewable resources means there is an expanding need for new employees in electric power generation. For students who have shown an aptitude in building and construction, energy-related construction jobs expanded at a faster rate than general construction jobs. Similarly, for students who are interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing, energy-related manufacturing employment is also expanding. 

The clean energy transition is a critical facet for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a globally stable climate.  Jobs which support fossil fuel distribution will continue to be important, but the opportunities in renewable energy installation and maintenance were among the fastest growing careers in 2024, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Nearly two thirds of Gen Z workers say they want to get a green job within the next five years. However, they need the help of their teachers to discover and explore the array of green jobs within the energy sector. Educators play a critical role in introducing students to possible career paths. 

The Wisconsin Energy Workforce Consortium (WEWC) is a collaborative non-profit organization where Wisconsin’ investor-owned utility companies, utility construction companies, Wisconsin Technical College campuses, and KEEP coordinate outreach and recruitment for energy industry in the state.

KEEP, through partnerships within the WEWC, develops and disseminates energy career education resources in support of ACP initiatives throughout Wisconsin.

KEEP staff are available to provide technical assistance or lead an in-service professional development to assist school districts with customizing the DPI Energy Career Pathway. Most districts are already offering CTE courses in ACE, Manufacturing, or STEM which align with the energy pathway. For example, explore CTE courses in CESA 8 and CESA 9 which may align with the Energy Career Pathway. Request more information.

• Lessons to explore energy careers
• Kits to explore skills & tools used in energy careers
• Student exploration of Energy Careers
• Renew Our Schools, a KEEP- supported competition to explore skills & tools used in energy careers

During the 2024-25 school, Wisconsin DPI collected information on student engagement with career-based learning experiences (CBLE). The DPI reports the top five CBLE opportunities were: classroom speaker, company tour, career fair, job shadow, and career mentoring. KEEP is a hub teachers can communicate with to facilitate energy career CBLE experiences for their students.

• Classroom speakers on Solar or HVAC (Focus on Energy)
• Company tours to electric utility sites
• Field trip options at the Wisconsin Energy Institute

Career fairs are a high-visibility collaboration between schools and regional employers, and a great way to provide every student in Wisconsin the opportunity to explore aspects of careers in energy!

• K-5 students: Cool Career Day – virtual statewide event each May
• 6-12 students: Energy Career Fairs – in person, various locations throughout Wisconsin
• Request WEWC Mobile Learning Lab for your career fair
• Not quite what you’re looking for? KEEP staff can connect you with the right industry partner – keep@uwsp.edu

A few excellent resources for state- and national-level career data that educators can refer to when looking for career data to include in a lesson or presentation.

• Wisconsin Energy Sector Jobs (Public Service Commission of Wisconsin)
• Center for Energy Workforce Development (Center for Energy Workforce Development)
• US Energy Career Statistics (US Department of Energy)