Careers in Energy Week spotlights high-wage, in-demand opportunities supporting Michigan’s clean energy future

LANSING, Mich. — To raise awareness of the many high-wage, in-demand opportunities in one of the state’s most rapidly-evolving industries, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) joins the Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium in celebrating October 21-25 as Michigan Careers in Energy Week. 

“Careers in Energy Week allows us to spotlight the many new and emerging opportunities in this critical Michigan industry,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “We are focused on ensuring Michigan residents have the skills they need to succeed in these careers, while also providing Michigan businesses with the talent they need to maintain our state's strong reputation in the clean energy sector.” 

A priority focus for LEO, Michigan’s energy industry currently boasts nearly 122,000 jobs, underscoring the importance of job training and Registered Apprenticeship programs to ensure Michigan workers have the skills needed to fill high-paying, in-demand energy jobs while improving access to reliable, clean energy for all Michiganders. 

Michigan has also established itself as a national leader in the creation of clean energy jobs. According to the 2024 Clean Jobs America Report from E2, which is based on an analysis of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2024 Energy and Employment Report, Michigan is outpacing 44 states’ clean energy job numbers. In total, Michigan is home to 127,690 clean energy jobs which includes any occupation that is affected by activities such as conserving energy, developing alternative energy, reducing pollution or recycling. 

“Having access to safe, clean, reliable and affordable energy requires a skilled workforce prepared to develop and build on innovative technologies,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “In Michigan, our workforce system ensures our education and training partners are aligned with the needs of employers to develop a pipeline of talent with the right skills to deliver results for businesses as well as Michigan workers and their families.” 

Now in its 12th year, Careers in Energy Week brings together representatives from industry, education, workforce, labor, government, veterans and others to increase awareness of opportunities in high growth, rewarding careers in the energy industry. 

The Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC) is an industry-led partnership of more than 50 representatives of industry, workforce, education and veterans. LEO has awarded MEWDC more than $2.7 million in competitive grants to integrate additional high-demand occupations into energy education programs across the state.  

“It is an exciting time to be in the energy industry, and Consumers Energy is focused on delivering a clean energy future for Michigan,” said Cathy Hendrian, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of People and Culture. “This means amazing opportunities for people interested in a fulfilling energy career at a company focused on increasing adoption of digital solutions and skilled trades partnerships.” 

MEWDC was established in 2008 to address current and future workforce issues that are crucial to building and sustaining Michigan’s energy industry. MEWDC member utilities, which includes electric power, generation, transmission, distribution and storage, have hired nearly 1,150 employees since January 2023. 

“Careers in Energy Week offers an exciting opportunity to share how DTE is investing in people – diverse, purpose-driven and talented people across Michigan – to fuel Michigan’s growth,” said Diane Antishin, DTE’s senior vice president of Human Resources and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “We’re training and equipping Michiganders for in-demand careers in many areas including engineering, skilled trades, customer service and renewable energy.” 

To help meet growing demand and develop the next generation of Michigan’s energy workers, MEWDC has launched several career awareness and outreach initiatives, including: 

• Integration of high-demand occupations into energy education programs using Talent Pipeline Management Academy® strategies that includes K-12 Career awareness events, Registered Apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities targeting nearly 1,800 participants, including underrepresented populations. 

• Creation of Michigan’s 17th career cluster which provides guidance for high school, career and technical education, and community college students to pursue jobs in the energy sector, with more than 1,450 students earning certificates in Energy Industry Fundamentals since 2013. 

• Continued presence of MEWDC members in schools and on college and university campuses, combined with more than 450 industry internship, work-based learning and co-op opportunities for students since January 2023. 

MEWDC employer members include Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Enbridge, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Cloverland Electric Cooperative, Elevate Energy, Holland Board of Public Works, Infrasource, ITC Holdings, Kent Power, Lewis Tree Service, Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association, Michigan Municipal Electric Association, SEEL, LLC., Traverse City Light and Power, Walker-Miller Energy Services and Zeeland Board of Public Works. 

“We have a great opportunity to retrofit millions of buildings across Michigan to save energy and lower utility bills,” said David Gard, executive director of the Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association. “But we need to recruit and train many more energy auditors and contractors to install these upgrades. Careers in Energy Week helps to raise awareness that these jobs exist.” 

Events during Careers in Energy Week include career awareness and exploration events, panel discussions and job fairs held by MEWDC members to energize students and job seekers. In addition, MEWDC is offering teachers and students the opportunity to participate in multiple virtual energy careers presentations on October 23 to learn about specific energy careers.  

To view a full list of Careers in Energy Week events, visit CareersInEnergyMichigan.com. 

There are many resources available to support Michiganders who are interested in exploring high-skilled and well-paid career options in the energy industry. This includes the state’s free career exploration tool, Pathfinder (Pathfinder.MiTalent.org). Career seekers can also search for open energy industry jobs on Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org). 

Careers in Energy Week is part of LEO’s broader All-Access Michigan approach, aimed at removing barriers and providing opportunities for businesses and workers alike. More resources and information can be found on LEO’s Energy Industry webpage. 

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