January 2026 Newsletter
This year marks a momentous milestone as the Center for Energy Workforce Development celebrates its 20th anniversary. For two decades, CEWD has served as the industry’s leader and primary convener around workforce development, bridging the gap between energy companies, labor, educators, and community-based organizations to ensure a resilient talent pipeline. By championing a “united front” approach, the organization has turned complex labor challenges into collaborative successes, standardizing excellence in increasing the visibility of energy careers, reducing barriers to entry into industry employment, expanding access to pre-employment training programs, and championing collaboration on timely issues.
As we reflect on twenty years of building a highly skilled workforce, CEWD is proud of its commitment to the industry and the professional futures of thousands of essential workers across the nation.
Action Item: Register for Energy Connector
EnergyConnector is open and ready for connections! This digital matchmaking service is actively partnering educators and industry to help students better connect with energy and its associated careers.
Are you being connected? Will you find partners in your local community? Raise your virtual hand to show your interest in collaboration by registering on the Energy Connector today.
CEWD is Seeking Volunteers
This is an open call for volunteers who would like to get more strategically involved in CEWD’s activities in 2026. We are looking for C-Suite executives who might be interested in serving on our Board of Directors for three-year terms and we are looking for other senior leaders and executives to guide the actions of our Workforce Development Executive Council. Want to learn more? Contact CEWD’s Missy Henriksen at [email protected].
Scholarship Pledge
The energy industry’s success depends on a steady pipeline of skilled talent. To ensure financial barriers don’t sideline the next generation of professionals, CEWD and Scholarship America have partnered to launch the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund.
We are currently seeking Founding Partners to support our inaugural round of awards. This is a strategic investment in the long-term reliability and innovation of our workforce. Together, the energy industry can empower the workforce of tomorrow through targeted financial support.
Pledges are requested by April 3 to ensure a timely launch.
Interested in learning more about the Scholarship Fund? Reach out to [email protected] for more details or to make a pledge.
Save The Date for Summit 2026!
CEWD’s Workforce Development Summit, including the CHRO Forum, Hill Day, and an industry-wide celebration of CEWD’s 20 years of service will take place November 17-19, 2026. Block the dates now.
Making Connections with Veterans at the Student Veterans of America National Conference
CEWD, with the support of five member companies, Constellation, Dominion, Pike, Southern Company, and Southwest Power Pool participated in the 2026 Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference.
Throughout the conference exhibition, CEWD engaged with hundreds of student veterans, highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available within the energy industry. In addition, CEWD hosted a session titled Confessions of a Hiring Manager, which provided attendees with insights into the hiring process and an overview of career pathways in the energy sector.
As a result of these efforts, CEWD received résumé links from more than 2,000 veterans who attended the conference. Following the event, CEWD has also observed a significant increase in traffic to the Troops to Energy Jobs website, demonstrating strong interest in energy careers among the veteran community.
CEWD Around Towns
The CEWD team is already starting the year off on planes, trains, and automobiles as we collaborate with a variety of stakeholders around the industry’s talent priorities. Here’s a look at where you can find us in the coming weeks:
- JATC 26 with Skills USA National Officers DC Visit, February 4, Washington, DC
- NARUC, February 8–9, Washington, DC
- Midwest Governors Association, February 11, Washington, DC
- Veterans in Energy Leadership Forum, February 17–19, Washington, DC
- Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference (Improving Safety Culture in a Multigenerational Workforce Panel), March 5, Orlando, Florida
- National Urban League Energy Jobs Convening, March 23, Washington, DC
What's Up? News Updates
The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life: Guidebook to Navigating the Earn-While-You-Learn Opportunity of a Lifetime, by Cory McCray
How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life tells the inspiring story of one man’s journey from Baltimore’s tough streets to a life of purpose, stability, and impact. Cory McCray was on a path many young men know all too well – one shaped by struggle and limited opportunity. But when a single decision led him into an apprenticeship program, everything changed. Through hands-on training, grit, and an unshakable commitment to growth, he found a way to rewrite his future.
A Reflection on My Journey from Lineman to Leadership
January 24, 2026
Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I would be named president of Ameren Illinois. As I prepare to step into this role on January 1, 2026, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here — a path paved with hard work, mentorship, and a deep connection to the community that raised me.
Chris Wright on U.S. Energy Strategy
January 22, 2026
The U.S. Secretary of Energy discusses the state of the global energy sector, including a growing divergence between American and European policies, U.S. strategies in both Venezuela and Greenland, and the affect AI will have on the energy market.
Entergy’s Next-Generation Arkansas plan aims to boost state’s energy reliability, create 7,500 jobs
December 18, 2025
With Arkansas facing extreme weather, officials reveal an ambitious energy plan aiming to create 7,500 jobs and ensure reliable, affordable power.
America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community 2026
Gemerac, GE Vernova, Regal Rexnord, and Black & Veatch, all listed as top places to work in the United States, workplaces that prioritize culture, foster genuine belonging and build strong communities. Companies that embrace these principles don’t just attract top talent; they create spaces where people from all walks of life can collaborate, innovate and thrive.
The Factory Workers Who Build the Power Grid by Hand
The growth of the U.S. electric grid depends on factory workers like Cisco, whose craft can take three to five years to master and can’t be fully automated. The manual precision and specialty materials required are among many reasons that the U.S. is struggling to meet the surging electricity needs of the artificial-intelligence frenzy.
