May 2026 Newsletter: Edition 1

CEWD is proud to share the new Get Into Energy Explorer — an interactive tool that helps students and job seekers discover energy careers based on their existing skills and interests. The Explorer analyzes what a user already knows and enjoys, then recommends personalized career pathways across the energy sector. The result is an intuitive experience that highlights how skills transfer across roles and makes it easier to attract a broad, robust talent pool to the industry. Thank you for Invest in Our Future for enabling the creation of this tool, and to our partners at Julius for bringing the concept and vision to life.

CEWD was proud to partner with DECA to recognize the winners of the 2025–26 Power Perks Challenge, where students developed marketing campaigns to help energy companies connect with young talent.

Congratulations to the winning teams from Penta-Anthony Wayne High School (OH), Downingtown STEM Academy (PA), and Holly Springs High School (NC). View the winning team’s recruitment video to see their campaign in action.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

Join CEWD and Advance CTE on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 PM ET for a practical look at what comes next following the adoption of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Career Cluster.

This session will explore how states can move from adoption to implementation — highlighting in-demand energy careers, sharing ready-to-use industry resources, and outlining how employers, educators, and partners can work together to build strong talent pipelines.

America’s ‘Silent Army’ of Skilled Tradespeople Are Retiring With No One to Replace Them—and the Price Tag Could Hit $1 Trillion a Year
April 30, 2026

A growing shortage of skilled trades workers is creating a major workforce gap, with up to 2.1 million roles projected to go unfilled by 2030. As infrastructure and technology demands rise, the need for these essential roles continues to grow.

Microsoft Partners with Construction Unions on AI Boom
April 21, 2026

Microsoft is partnering with North America’s Building Trades Unions to expand training for skilled trades workers supporting AI infrastructure. The effort reflects rising demand for labor to build data centers and related energy infrastructure.

A Talent CEO Says Data Centers Are a ‘Massive Opportunity’ for Office Workers to Pivot Mid-Career
April 20, 2026

Data centers are creating new opportunities for career transitioners, with growing demand for roles like technicians and electricians. Many of these positions offer accessible entry points through certifications and apprenticeships.

CEWD’s Energy at Work blog highlights the people, partnerships, and strategies driving the energy workforce forward. Hear directly from industry leaders on how the sector is building a resilient, future-ready talent pipeline.

Explore the series

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.