Oct 17, 2022

Energy Workforce Consortium Brings Career Awareness to Students during Careers in Energy Week

by DTE Energy

• Jobs in the energy industry will grow by 7.5% between 2020 and 2030.
• Energy companies are seeking skilled workers in a variety of positions to move Michigan into a cleaner, greener energy future.
• Industry, education and workforce partners in Michigan will host events to promote careers in the energy industry October 17-21.

Lansing, Oct. 17, 2022 – The Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC), a partnership of representatives from the energy industry, education, workforce, labor, government and veterans, announced today it will launch an outreach initiative that aims to heighten awareness of high-growth, rewarding careers in the energy industry during Careers in Energy Week, October 17-21.

During this five-day campaign, industry, schools and other partners will host career awareness and exploration events, panel discussions and job fairs to energize students and job seekers.

“Ensuring Michigan’s energy industry is adequately staffed with a qualified and diverse workforce is a priority for the MEWDC,” said Marcia Black-Watson, director of the Consortium. “Careers in Energy Week annually boosts the momentum of MEWDC’s industry, education and workforce partnerships to promote career awareness, exploration and preparation for the critical jobs that deliver safe, reliable and efficient energy to our communities.”

Now in its ninth year, Careers in Energy Week is sponsored by the MEWDC, which includes Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Enbridge, Cloverland Electric Cooperative, Traverse City Light & Power, Infrasource, Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association, Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, Michigan Municipal Electric Association, ITC Holdings, Lewis Tree Service and Walker-Miller Energy Services.

“It’s an exciting and rewarding time to work in the energy industry, and at DTE Energy specifically. We’re excited to share the variety of careers in our industry with students during Careers in Energy Week, and all throughout the year,” says Chris HooSang, DTE’s director of Corporate Human Resources and co-chair of the MEWDC. “In the energy industry, young people can find careers that play an active role in building a sustainable future for our environment and our communities.”

“The energy industry is undergoing an exciting transformation, which will mean many new opportunities for the next generation in Michigan that’s entering the workforce,” said Cathy Hendrian, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of People and Culture. “Consumers Energy is promoting STEM learning, robotics and skilled trades to inspire the next generation of students to pursue interests that will lead to fulfilling careers.”

“I could not be more excited to see the investment Michigan’s municipal electric utilities are pouring into the future generation of workers, especially in our local communities,” says Katie Abraham, executive director of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA). “The job opportunities are plentiful, offer great wages and provide an opportunity to transform the energy landscape as we know it.”

Founded in 2008, MEWDC’s career awareness and outreach initiatives aim to develop the next generation of Michigan energy workers. These initiatives include:

• Being awarded $1.3 million in competitive grants by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to integrate high-demand occupations into energy education programs through the Talent Pipeline Management methodology and the development of Registered Apprenticeships resulting in over 800 students earning energy credentials through 2024.
• Providing professional development and relationship building opportunities for members to be successful in outreach to diverse communities to ensure equitable opportunities for jobs.
• Partnering with K-12 schools and community colleges across the state to provide education and training around energy careers including pre-linework programs, energy production/systems training, utility technician certificates and more.

Visit www.careersinenergymichigan.com for a full list of events during Careers in Energy Week.

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About MEWDC

Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC), housed and supported by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an industry-led partnership of more than 50 representatives of industry, workforce, education and veterans. It was established in 2008 to address current and future workforce issues that are crucial to building and sustaining Michigan’s energy industry.

For more information, members of the media may contact:

Marcia Black-Watson, MEWDC, 517-371-7671