April 2026 Newsletter: Edition 1
Expanding Energy Education Nationwide
The Energy & Natural Resources (ENR) Career Cluster is gaining momentum across the country. Following its designation as a standalone cluster in Fall 2024, states are now beginning to adopt ENR—unlocking the ability to bring energy education directly into classrooms and connect students to careers in our industry.
States including Arkansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, and South Dakota are leading the way, with others building on existing energy pathways. It’s time for those with vested interests in building talent pipeline to champion adoption of the cluster in their states.
CEWD’s Workforce Development Executive Council Connects in Charlotte
Twenty-five workforce development champions from across the industry gathered at the Duke Energy headquarters for a day of deep-dive planning on signature programs the group will lead this year, including (1) new approaches to Career Awareness and Access; (2) Developing and Sourcing Essential Workforce Data for Effective Solutioning; and (3) Accelerating AI Effectiveness for Industry Solutions to Workforce Development Priorities
CEWD is grateful to all who travelled, engaged, and ideated. Special appreciation goes to Duke’s Kathryn Martin and NextEra’s Gretchen Campbell for chairing this strategic workgroup.
Get Ready for National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week (April 27–May 1, 2026) is a key opportunity to showcase how registered apprenticeships are building a skilled, future-ready workforce. This year’s theme, “America at Work: Making America Skilled Again,” highlights the critical role apprenticeships play across industries.
For the energy sector, apprenticeships are a proven pathway to develop talent and strengthen the workforce pipeline. CEWD encourages the industry to highlight their programs, engage local partners, and use this moment to elevate careers in energy.
Pursuing Apprenticeship?
CEWD is eager to connect quickly with any energy employer interested in developing Registered Apprenticeship Programs for consideration in possible grant funding. Please contact [email protected] by April 24 for more information.
CEWD On The Road
CEWD has been engaging nationwide to showcase workforce development priorities and opportunities and influence conversations. Follow our recent journey and connect with us on our next stop.
CEWD is grateful to all who travelled, engaged, and ideated. Special appreciation goes to Duke’s Kathryn Martin and NextEra’s Gretchen Campbell for chairing this strategic workgroup.
- Hiring Our Heroes Career Awareness Event | March 11
- BlackRock Infrastructure Conference | March 11
- National LAMPAC | March 16
- National Urban League Empowerment Summit | March 18
- American Clean Power Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference
- Business Council for Sustainable Energy Workforce Panel | April 2
- National Center for Construction Education and Research Working Session | April 6–7
- Edison Electric Institute Government Affairs Conference | April 7-8
- Hispanics in Energy Conference | April 14
- COABE Conference | April 14–16
- American Petroleum Institute Conference | April 26–28
Worth The Read: In The AI age, Data Centers and Power Companies Compete For The Same Core Workforce
This recent post from Deloitte offers excellent perspectives on businesses in the industry vying for the same talent, reinforcing the importance of creating talent, just not consuming it, a popular message point for CEWD in 2026.
Join our monthly Membership Orientation calls for a guided walkthrough of CEWD resources and how to use them. Perfect for new colleagues, members, and those who need a refresher. Register here.
Join our Quarterly Connection call for CEWD updates, new resources, and what’s ahead. Perfect for new and tenured colleagues looking to get more involved. Register here.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
