What began as a promising workforce initiative is now becoming a national model.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of attracting and retaining more women in energy careers, recognizing that meeting future workforce demand will require engaging a broader range of talent.

Building on the success of the Urban Energy Jobs Program (UEJP), a leading philanthropic partner has fully funded the program’s expansion into Boston, Massachusetts, and Charlotte, North Carolina, creating new pathways to quality energy careers for job seekers while helping employers address critical workforce needs.

The expansion brings together CEWD, the National Urban League, local Urban League affiliates, energy employers, labor partners, and workforce stakeholders to align training, talent development, and hiring opportunities. Through this next phase of growth, UEJP will continue connecting community talent to family-sustaining careers while strengthening the energy industry’s workforce pipeline and advancing economic mobility in communities across the country.

If you’re interested in learning more about bringing the UEJP to your community, contact Cornell Johnson to learn more.

Hosted by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the Nuclear Energy Workforce Summit brings together leaders from industry, education, labor, government, and workforce organizations to address the workforce needs of a growing nuclear sector. Join the conversation October 6–8 in Washington, DC, and help develop solutions around talent pipelines, skilled trades, workforce readiness, and emerging technologies.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s 2026 U.S. Energy & Employment Report (USEER) is now available, offering new insights into energy employment, workforce trends, wages, and talent needs across the sector.

CEWD is reporting important news and updates through the CEWD Connection to keep readers abreast of energy workforce headlines. If you have any article suggestions, please email [email protected].

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says AI will create ‘hundreds of thousands’ of new jobs—including for people who want to ‘make things with their hands’
September 1, 2026
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang says the growth of AI infrastructure is creating significant demand for electricians, plumbers, technicians, and other skilled trades. The article highlights the workforce needed to build and maintain the power, cooling, and data systems supporting the AI economy.

Lowe’s launches major effort to help close America’s skilled trades gap
September 1, 2026
Lowe’s has launched a new coalition of businesses, educators, and workforce organizations focused on training and certifying 1 million skilled trades workers by 2035. The effort underscores growing recognition that workforce development is essential to meeting infrastructure and economic growth goals.

Celebrating the lineworkers who keep America’s lights on
September 3, 2026 – CEWD Mention!
As electricity demand and grid investment continue to grow, the need for lineworkers and other skilled energy professionals is increasing. The article highlights industry efforts, including CEWD partnerships, to strengthen talent pipelines and connect more people to long-term careers in energy.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.