Careers in Energy

Know, Explore, Plan, Go!

In the updated National Career Clusters® Framework, Energy careers are a sub-cluster within the Energy & Natural Resources cluster. Wisconsin is among a few states that have developed an Energy Career Pathway that can be used by teachers, students, parents, and industry to help students discover and map an educational and professional journey in energy. The resources below are arranged for three audiences –  educators, students, and energy industry partners.

Educator Resources
Student Resources
Industry Resources

Educator Resources

KEEP maintains resources and partnerships to support teachers as they guide their students to EXPLORE energy careers.

Rationale

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 resources to support EXPLORING energy careers

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.

Career-based learning experiences (CBLE) facilitated by KEEP & our partners

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.

Career Fairs

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!

Energy careers data

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.

Student Resources

A youth apprentice in safety gear trains on gas pipeline equipment outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Alliant Energy

Energy jobs are among the fastest growing in the U.S.

EXPLORE energy careers with KEEP
EXPLORE energy careers with Partners
PLAN or GO for a career in energy while still in high school!

Industry Resources

The resources below have been developed to assist Energy Industry partners meaningfully engage with K-12 students through interactions during student career fairs, company tours, or other career-based learning experiences.

Career Fairs

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. Find suggestions on how to meaningfully interact with students during career fairs, when and where career fairs are taking place, and more.

Classroom Speakers

Careers in Energy: Wisconsin – Google Slides presentation template made by KEEP for use by energy industry partners and educators.

These partners provide slides and talking points to assist Energy Industry professionals when they are invited classroom speakers in high school classes.

KEEP resources to support energy career outreach

KEEP Activities:

KEEP Kits:

KEEP – Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Education Program • 1108 Fremont St. SSC 201, Stevens Point, WI 54481 • 715-346-4770 • keep@uwsp.edu
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