July 2026 Newsletter: Edition 1
Webinar: Workforce Consortia - Partnering for a Stronger Pipeline
Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET. Register here
Join CEWD and NRECA to explore how energy workforce consortia are helping employers strengthen regional talent pipelines through collaboration with educators, workforce partners, and industry peers. Learn how to join or launch a consortium and access resources to support career awareness and training alignment.
Workforce Development Summit Registration Now Open & The Program is Live
Registration is now open for the 2026 CEWD Workforce Development Summit. The program will bring together energy leaders, workforce professionals, and partners to advance talent pipelines across the industry. As CEWD marks its 20th anniversary, this year’s Summit will focus on the strategies, partnerships, and workforce solutions shaping the future of energy.
What's Up? News Updates
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].
Google launches $50 million skilled worker initiative
June 11, 2026
Google is investing $50 million to train more than 300,000 skilled trade workers, reinforcing the growing demand for electricians, HVAC technicians, and other roles tied to U.S. infrastructure expansion.
‘AI is going to create a labor shortage’: Jeff Bezos sees more jobs being created in the new economy, not less
June 17, 2026
As AI adoption accelerates, business leaders point to increasing labor demand rather than job loss, highlighting the need for continued investment in workforce readiness and talent development.
Electricians and plumbers will power the AI race
June 18, 2026
As AI infrastructure expands, demand is increasing for electricians, welders, and other skilled trades needed to build and maintain power systems and data centers
Labor Unions Divided Over Data Center Construction, AI UseCleveland’s ‘Big Bets?’ Rockefeller Foundation Event Highlights Jobs, Housing, Tech — and Art
June 18, 2026
Rapid data center growth is driving demand for skilled workers while raising broader questions about technology’s impact on labor, highlighting the need for balanced workforce strategies.
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.
