Careers in Energy Week spotlights Michigan’s efforts to meet growing industry demand

With thousands of openings in skilled trades and STEM, state programs and partnerships are creating energy career pathways for students and workers

Lansing, Mich. — During Careers in Energy Week, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is highlighting programs and collaborations that introduce young people and adult learners to pathways in energy and related skilled trades. With nearly 518,300 energy-related jobs in Michigan and approximately 40,600 annual openings in professional trades projected by 2032, LEO is ensuring Michiganders have the skills and opportunities to thrive in these high-demand fields.

“Careers in Energy Week gives us the opportunity to spotlight the programs and partnerships that are helping Michiganders gain the skills they need to succeed in our state’s growing energy workforce,” said Krista Johnson, Director of LEO’s Workforce Development division. “Our mission is clear: to connect people with high-demand, good-paying careers and to ensure employers have the workforce they need to grow. When workers and businesses succeed, our entire state moves forward.”

STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — occupations are growing quickly, with more than 23,200 annual openings across fields like software development, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering and employment expected to increase 7.8% from 2025–2032. These careers are critical to Michigan’s energy future and require a talent pipeline equipped with technical skills, problem-solving abilities and real-world job preparation.

LEO’s Office of Employment and Training supports Employer-Led Collaboratives that bring together businesses, educators and workforce partners to address talent needs and develop innovative solutions for Michigan’s energy and skilled trades sectors. These collaboratives help align training with industry demand, ensuring a pipeline of qualified workers — and have directly contributed to the development of Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state. Additionally, the Going PRO Talent Fund helps employers train, develop and retain talent while providing Michiganders with clear pathways to high-wage careers. Registered Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while learning, preparing participants for well-paying careers in energy and skilled trades.

“By providing workforce solutions, we’re helping Michiganders build skills, gain financial stability and pursue meaningful careers,” Johnson said. “When individuals succeed, businesses grow and communities thrive. Careers in Energy Week is an important opportunity to showcase the pathways available and inspire the next generation of workers to explore careers in energy.”

The Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC), a coalition of 50+ employers and partner organizations, plays a central role in growing Michigan’s energy workforce efforts by aligning education, programming and employer partnerships to address shared industry needs. Through MEWDC, students and job seekers gain hands-on experiences, access to training resources and direct connections to employers, helping to expand awareness of energy careers and build a skilled pipeline for Michigan’s growing energy industry.

Established in 2008, MEWDC is one of the state’s most successful Employer-Led Collaboratives. MEWDC works closely with LEO to address current and future workforce challenges that are critical to building and sustaining Michigan’s energy industry. 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. 

“Careers in Energy Week is an amazing time for students to see all that the energy industry has to offer,” said Caitlin Tetrick, senior executive director, Consumers Energy. “This industry allows you to be at the forefront of providing essential services to the communities we live and work in. Having this experience to explore future careers provides a unique opportunity to set your course for a prosperous career that allows you to give back to our great state." 

Across the state, organizations are providing career exploration experiences, apprenticeships and training pathways to prepare students and workers for high-demand energy and skilled trades careers. Each year, Careers in Energy Week builds momentum. More than 26 partner organizations hosted 31 events and activities across Michigan last year. These programs engaged more than 8,200 students, including participation in MiCareerQuest events. Smaller, localized programs reached nearly 1,000 additional students, expanding access to hands-on career exploration.

“Careers in Energy Week highlights the exciting new and emerging opportunities within Michigan’s essential energy industry,” said Chris HooSang, director, DTE Energy Human Resources. “The week carves out time for students to explore career opportunities that are brought to life by industry professionals sharing the work they do and how that work serves our Michigan communities. By sharing future-proof career opportunities with Michigan's youth, students can confidently prepare themselves for success in high-demand energy jobs from which they can build a prosperous future here in our Great Lakes State."

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

For more information on career pathways, training opportunities and workforce programs, visit the state’s free career exploration tool, Pathfinder (Pathfinder.MiTalent.org), or search for open energy industry jobs on Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org).

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