Power Up
Your
Career
Path

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. But exploring energy careers? That’s a smart move.

The Energy Industry Meets You Where You Are

There’s more than one way to get into the energy industry, and that’s good news. Whether you head straight into the workforce after high school, pursue technical training, or opt for a degree, there’s a seat at the table for you.

Choose your route…

The Trade Route

Build real things, solve real problems, and make real money, all without sitting behind a desk. Electricians, lineworkers, welders, and technicians are some of the most in-demand workers in the country. And that’s not changing anytime soon.

The College Route

Behind every light switch, phone charger, and TikTok video is a team of engineers, coders, designers, marketers, and business minds. High pay, global opportunities, and a front row seat to the biggest transformation of our time. The only question is, are you in?

Build Your Class Schedule

Use high school to your advantage. Build the foundation trade employers look for with math, physics, and hands-on CTE courses.

See Classes

Math, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science
CTE Courses – Electrical Tech, Welding, Construction, CAD, Manufacturing
Bonus: Energy Industry Fundamentals 2.0 – a free crash course in what energy is and where the careers are

Get Involved + Build Experience

What you do outside of class matters. Experiences like clubs, sports, and volunteer work show energy employers you’re motivated and ready to learn.

See What Counts

SkillsUSA, Robotics, FFA clubs
Habitat for Humanity, school set builds, community repair projects
Athletics – teamwork and hustle look good on a resumé

Add “Wow” Factors + Know the Roadblocks

Having certifications can set you apart before you even apply. And knowing what can hold you back helps you plan ahead.

See Resumé Boosters and Roadblocks

Resumé Booster: OSHA 10 Safety Certification
Resumé Booster: Driver’s license and a CDL if you’re 18+
Potential Roadblock: Drug testing is standard, plan accordingly
Potential Roadblock: A criminal record can limit access to high-paying jobs

Choose Your Post-High School Path

There are multiple ways to get into the trades. Each route is built to get you earning fast.

See Your Options

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. Learn the basics, choose your trade, and get ready to crush an apprenticeship. Find free programs at TradesFutures.org.
Apprenticeships. The classic earn-while-you-learn model.
Technical or Trade School. 6–24-month programs that get you job-ready with certifications that signal mastery.
Community College. Earn a certificate or associate degree, where general education meets hands-on technical training.

Build Skills, Network + Find Scholarships

Understand the skills you need for the job, navigate how to make the best connections to open doors, and find the funding to help get you there.

See Skills, Tips, and Sources

Soft skills like communication, time management, teamwork, problem solving, and a positive attitude travel everywhere.
Networking doesn’t need to be complicated. Talk to teachers, show up at job fairs, volunteer on build sites, and follow trade organizations on social media.
Skilled trade scholarships exist. Check out community colleges, your guidance office, and state workforce programs.

Plug Into Your Future: Trades + Energy = A Career That Pays

Skilled trades in energy are in demand, they pay well, and they're not going anywhere. This is a career worth choosing. Choose it with confidence.

Build Your Class Schedule

If you’re into math and science, you’re already on track for engineering, cyber, and energy ops. More of a creative or business mind? The energy industry needs you too, in fields like marketing, PR, legal, and policy.

See Classes

Math, Science, Technology, English and Communications, Social Studies
CTE pathways in energy, engineering, tech, and natural sciences
Bonus: Energy Industry Fundamentals 2.0 – a free crash course in what energy is and where the careers are

Get Involved + Build Experience

Clubs, sports, volunteer work. Build experiences that show employers you’re driven and use your time with purpose. Use school breaks to job shadow or intern at local energy companies.

See What Counts

STEM clubs
Environmental clubs to show interest in sustainability and clean energy projects
Student government to show leadership and career readiness
Search internships at GetIntoEnergy.jobs

Add “Wow” Factors + Know the Roadblocks

Stack your resumé with skills that matter and avoid issues that can hold you back.

See Resumé Boosters and Roadblocks

Resumé Booster: Learn coding basics (Python, C++)
Resumé Booster: Know how to use CAD and data analysis tools
Resumé Booster: Participate in STEM competitions, hackathons
Resumé Booster: Stay Updated on new tech and trends
Potential Roadblock: Drug testing is standard, plan accordingly
Potential Roadblock: A criminal record can limit access to high-paying jobs

Choose Your College Path

A two-year degree gets you in the field fast, while a four-year degree unlocks broader roles. Both are valuable and give different paths to the same destination.

See Track Options

Technical and Engineering. Electrical, mechanical, civil, engineering – design and build the future of energy.
Environmental and Earth Sciences. Sustainability, climate science, natural resource management.
Energy-Specific Programs. Explore how energy is generated, stored, and used efficiently.
Data, IT and Cyber Security. Protect, analyze, and optimize the systems the world runs on.
Business, Policy and Management. Accounting, HR, legal, public policy, and supply chain management all have a home in energy.

Build Skills, Network, and Find Scholarships

Understand the skills you need for the job, navigate how to make the best connections to open doors, and find the funding to help get you there.

See Skills, Tips, and Sources

Soft skills like communication, time management, teamwork, problem solving, and a positive attitude travel everywhere.
Join student energy orgs, build a LinkedIn profile, and reach out to professionals.
Energy scholarships exist. Check your guidance office, energy companies, and scholarship search sites.

Your Future
Starts in Energy

You don’t have to know exactly what you want to be yet. But if you want a career that’s exciting, meaningful, and built to last, the energy industry is where it’s at.

Not sure which route is right for you? Download the full Next Gen Energy Blueprint to power up your path.