Center for Energy Workforce Development Reimagines Energy Curriculum to Connect with Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders

Modernized energy education program aims to reach 500,000 students in the next 10 years

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 26, 2022 — The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) today announced plans are underway to redevelop its Energy Industry Fundamentals program, a 130-hour course that educates high school and technical school students about energy and careers within the industry. The decade-long program will be modernized to ensure its content reflects the future of the industry and to prepare students to excel within an innovative, essential energy workforce. CEWD expects to roll out the new curriculum for the 2023-2024 school year and aims to educate 500,000 students in the next 10 years. 

“It’s an exciting time to be part of this industry. The energy sector continues to be on the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and innovations that transform the way in which we live and work,” said Kristie Kelley, Director of Workforce Development at CEWD. “In modernizing the Energy Industry Fundamentals program to capture the dynamic energy landscape, we are setting students, educators and employers up for success and helping to fuel the workforce pipeline.”  

The program will prepare students for career opportunities, address new and emerging technologies, and ensure diverse representation within course material so students – particularly those from historically under-served and marginalized communities – can see themselves as part of the energy workforce. During the 130-hour course, students will explore different facets of energy with new education modules focused on the Future of Energy, Clean Energy and Environmental Stewardship, Policy, Energy Business and Finance, and Cybersecurity. Students who complete the course will earn industry-recognized credentials and can earn stackable credentials and/or post-secondary degrees by completing supplemental modules. 

“It’s important that we help create interest in opportunities within the energy industry to develop a workforce that reflects the communities we serve,” said Ron Reising, Chief Human Resources Officer at Duke Energy, a corporate partner and contributor to the program. “Supporting the Energy Industry Fundamentals initiative is a chance to do just that. This program can have a big impact in educating tomorrow’s leaders today.”

“We are committed to supporting the communities we serve, which includes support for workforce development initiatives that promote greater inclusion of economically disadvantaged and marginalized communities as well as historically underrepresented individuals within the energy industry,” said Bryan Hanson, Chief Generation Officer of Constellation, a corporate partner and contributor to the program. “Our sponsorship and partnership with the Center for Energy Workforce Development will help create an expanded talent pipeline that is more diverse and inclusive to support careers throughout the energy industry.”

Energy Industry Fundamentals is supported by a robust steering committee, a dedicated group of industry experts, and partners, such as the National Urban League, who have been instrumental in the planning, program building and funding process. The curriculum is being finalized in the coming months and will be rolled out across the country during the 2023-2024 school year via key distribution partners, including the National Urban League and American Federation of Teachers, who are eager to connect students with learning opportunities associated with America’s Clean Energy Future. 

To learn more about the program, visit cewd.org/educators/energy-industry-fundamentals/. To inquire about planning, funding or distribution opportunities, reach out to Kristie Kelley at [email protected].  

About The Center for Energy Workforce Development

The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy companies, and their associations, committed to the development of a skilled, diverse energy workforce.

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