Capitol News

During Careers in Energy Week, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is drawing attention to its programs and partnerships that aim to guide students and adult learners toward careers in the energy sector and skilled trades. The state reports that there are nearly 518,300 energy-related jobs in Michigan, with about 40,600 professional trades openings projected annually through 2032.

Krista Johnson, Director of LEO’s Workforce Development division, said, “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. 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 occupations, including software development, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering, are seeing significant growth. The state expects more than 23,200 annual openings in these fields, with employment projected to rise by 7.8% from 2025 to 2032. These roles are considered vital for the future of Michigan’s energy industry and require workers to have technical skills and practical 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. These groups help align training with industry requirements and have contributed to the creation of Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Going PRO Talent Fund also supports employers in training and retaining talent, while Registered Apprenticeships offer participants the chance to earn while they learn.

“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 more than 50 employers and partner organizations, works to align education, programming, and employer partnerships to meet industry needs. MEWDC provides students and job seekers with hands-on experiences, access to training resources, and direct connections to employers. The group collaborates closely with LEO to address workforce challenges in the energy sector. MEWDC members include major companies such as 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.

Caitlin Tetrick, senior executive director at Consumers Energy, said, “Careers in Energy Week is an amazing time for students to see all that the energy industry has to offer. 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 Michigan, organizations are offering career exploration experiences, apprenticeships, and training pathways. Last year, more than 26 partner organizations hosted 31 events across the state, engaging over 8,200 students. Localized programs reached nearly 1,000 additional students, expanding opportunities for hands-on career exploration.

Chris HooSang, director of DTE Energy Human Resources, stated, “Careers in Energy Week highlights the exciting new and emerging opportunities within Michigan’s essential energy industry. 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."

A full list of Careers in Energy Week events can be found at CareersInEnergyMichigan.com. Additional information on career pathways, training opportunities, and workforce programs is available through the Pathfinder tool at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org or by searching for open positions on Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.