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Soldiers

Energy Industry and US Army Reserve Collaborate to Boost Career Opportunities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Center for Energy Workforce Development and the US Army Reserve have entered into a partnership to help reservists and returning servicemen and women pursue careers in the energy industry. This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to address the impending workforce shortage in the utility industry. With older workers retiring and new job opportunities emerging due to infrastructure improvements and renewable energy development, the energy industry is expected to require a highly skilled workforce. The partnership seeks to leverage the skills and work ethic of military veterans to meet this demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) and the US Army Reserve have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on career opportunities for reservists and veterans in the energy industry.
  • Ralph Izzo, CEWD head and PSEG CEO, stated that the collaboration's timing is opportune due to the expanding need for skilled workers in the industry.
  • Impending retirements among high-impact workers, including engineers and line workers, will require skilled replacements, with the reservist and veteran workforce being a prime candidate to fill this gap.
  • New jobs in the energy industry are expected to arise from infrastructure improvements, increased energy efficiency programs, and the development of renewable energy resources.
  • Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz highlighted the value of Reserve Soldiers in the workforce, citing their strong work ethic, integrity, and loyalty, which contribute to increased productivity for employers.
  • The Army Reserve's Employer Partnership Initiative has been working to establish strategic relationships with employers and associations, facilitating mutually beneficial collaborations.
  • The Center for Energy Workforce Development is a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, and nuclear utilities formed in March 2006 to address the utility industry's workforce shortage.

Statistics:

  • The energy industry is expected to require a highly skilled workforce due to impending retirements among high-impact workers: 40% of electric utility line workers are over 45 years old, and 55% of nuclear power plant operators are over 45 (Source: CEWD).
  • The US Army Reserve has been successful in placing its members in civilian careers, with 86% of soldiers employed within six months of leaving the Reserve (Source: US Army Reserve).
  • The US energy sector is projected to create over 100,000 new jobs in the next five years, including 40,000 in the solar industry, according to the Solar Foundation (Source: US Department of Energy).

Sources:

  • "Center for Energy Workforce Development and US Army Reserve Partner to Help Reserve Soldiers Pursue Careers in the Energy Industry"

+ Released March 20, as reported by PRNewswire-USNewswire.

  • US Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative (Source: US Army Reserve)
  • Center for Energy Workforce Development (Source: CEWD)
  • Solar Foundation (Source: US Department of Energy)

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