CEWD Welcomes Pipe Line Contractors Association as National Partner
Collaboration strengthens workforce solutions for energy infrastructure construction and maintenance
Washington, DC, July 28, 2026 – The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) announced today that the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), a trade association representing stakeholders in the U.S. oil and gas pipeline construction industry, is the most recent organization to become a national partner, adding its voice and vision to CEWD’s programs that support the development of a skilled energy workforce.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Pipe Line Contractors Association to CEWD’s community that focuses on the people side of the energy evolution,” noted Missy Henriksen, CEWD’s executive director. “PLCA’s engagement strengthens the breadth of our ability to promote a full spectrum of energy careers, prepare students and career seekers with foundational skills important for industry employment, and engage in programming that supports workforce needs across the industry’s full ecosystem,” Henriksen emphasized.
Elizabeth Worrell, PLCA’s managing director and chief legal counsel, shared enthusiasm about partnering with CEWD, noting the importance of workforce readiness to the pipeline construction industry.
“Pipeline construction and maintenance are essential to the safe, reliable movement of energy resources, and our workforce is central to that mission,” Worrell said. “PLCA is proud to collaborate with CEWD to elevate the visibility of the skilled career paths that support critical energy infrastructure. By combining forces, we can better equip the next generation with the skills required to build, maintain, and strengthen the systems that serve communities across the country.”
Twelve national associations are already working with CEWD to support the industry’s historic talent needs, including AESP, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, American Public Gas Association, American Public Power Association, Clean Power Institute, Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, INGAA Foundation, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Nuclear Energy Institute, demonstrating the importance of sector-solutioning.
These organizations, employer partners, organized labor, educators, and others work collaboratively to increase visibility of energy careers; support training and career preparedness; remove systemic barriers that hinder career access; provide resources and essential tools; ensure the industry’s voice is heard by those who influence critical workforce development practices; and harness the strength of the industry for effective action.
To learn more about CEWD and it’s netwrk of industry partners, visit www.cewd.org
About The Center for Energy Workforce Development
The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a non-profit consortium of energy companies, and their associations, labor, educators, and others committed to the development of a skilled workforce.
About The Pipe Line Contractors Association
The Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) is a 501(c)(6) trade association headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, representing union contractors that are part of the U.S. oil and gas pipeline construction industry. Established in 1948, PLCA negotiates labor agreements, encourages safe practices in pipeline construction, and supports its members in areas including legal and labor relations, safety, quality, training, recruitment, advocacy, and industry collaboration.