Most Americans Value the Energy Workforce, But Not Enough to Know About the Careers That Fuel It

National survey commissioned by the Center for Energy Workforce Development spots disconnect between how much Americans value the industry and how little they understand its careers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In conjunction with Careers in Energy Week, the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), a national, energy workforce nonprofit, reveals results from its national survey conducted by The Harris Poll. Survey results highlight a broad lack of awareness among Americans about career opportunities in the industry, despite the historic hiring demand before the sector for the foreseeable future.

The energy industry expects to add millions of jobs over the next decade, driven by growing energy demand, expanding infrastructure, and technological advancements. This energy evolution is critical to our nation’s future, as evidenced by survey data showing 88% of Americans believe the energy workforce is essential to keeping the U.S. economy running. However, many (69%) don’t have a clear understanding of what jobs exist within the industry.

“There is a real disconnect in how Americans view the energy industry. They know it is essential, yet many don’t have visibility into the wide range of careers that keep it running,” said Missy Henriksen, CEWD’s executive director. “Nearly seven in 10 Gen Z adults ages 18-28 (68%) would consider or recommend a career in energy, but fewer than one in five (19%) know how to pursue one if they wanted. Closing that gap is key to attracting and preparing the next generation of professionals. We need our future workforce to see themselves in energy and understand the paths available to them.”

Key findings provide insights on Americans’ views about careers and the energy industry:

• Americans want careers that have stability and purpose. When thinking about the ideal career for themselves or a family member, Americans overwhelmingly value long-term job stability (91%). Younger generations, Gen Z and Millennials (ages 18-44), are more likely than their older counterparts, Gen X (ages 45-60) and Baby Boomers (ages 61-79), to place importance on having a career that positively impacts the environment (84% each vs. 69% and 65%, respectively) or the local community (78% and 81% vs. 70% and 68%, respectively).
• Americans lack awareness of energy career opportunities. A third of Americans (33%) have never met anyone who works in energy, and only two in five (42%) Americans learned about career paths to the energy industry in school, highlighting a gap in education and exposure.
• Americans show high interest in pursuing energy careers. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) would consider pursuing or recommending a career in energy, yet only one in six (17%) know how to pursue an energy career if they wanted to. Registered apprenticeships are especially appealing, with two-thirds of Americans (66%) saying they would consider them over a traditional four-year college degree if starting their career today—though only 14% know what a registered apprenticeship actually is in the energy industry.

As Careers in Energy Week shines a spotlight on the nation’s energy workforce, these findings reinforce the need to connect Americans with information and pathways that help them explore rewarding energy careers while also understanding how to use their skills in the industry. CEWD continues to actively invest in education, training, and workforce development programs such as Get Into Energy, Hire PowHER, and Troops to Energy Jobs while also fostering strong partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and veterans’ groups.

“Having proactive initiatives to reach people where they are is a fundamental priority of CEWD,” continued Henriksen. “We’re able to do that because of the ongoing support from our partners who share our mission to advance energy careers during Careers in Energy Week and beyond.”

Careers in Energy Week was created by CEWD in 2010 and is supported by member associations, including American Clean Power Association, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, American Public Gas Association, American Public Power Association, Association of Energy Services Professionals, Distribution Contractors Association, Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Foundation, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Nuclear Energy Institute.

To learn more about CEWD and its workforce initiatives, visit www.CEWD.org.

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About the Survey Method
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of CEWD from October 9-14, 2025, among 2,070 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Meagan Dominick at [email protected]

About The Center for Energy Workforce Development 
The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a national non-profit that unites employers, labor, educators, energy associations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to prioritize solutions that will ensure the industry is people-ready for the energy evolution. CEWD is committed to uniting energy stakeholders in attracting and developing a highly skilled workforce. To learn more, visit www.CEWD.org or www.GetIntoEnergy.org.