The energy industry employs more than 6.7 million Americans, and that number is expected to grow, while job types are expected to expand in their diversity. Careers in the energy industry account for just under 10% of all the new jobs in the United States.
Career and Workforce Development Guides
All NEED curriculum is available for free PDF download on the NEED shop. Click on the title of each guide below.
Energy Careers Excursion
This sampler is back again with some new activities that aim to expose students to the many specialized career options and job opportunities in the energy industry, and how even the most general career paths can be involved in bringing energy and electricity to the world around us.
Optional supplementary – Career Round Up Slide Deck, Oil and Natural Gas Careers Slide Deck
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
Developed in partnership with the Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund and the Chicago Federation of Labor Workforce and Community Initiative. It is designed to provide high school seniors with a one-semester introduction to photovoltaics, from the science of their functioning through the basics of installation.
Solar Careers Pathways
An introduction to career paths directly in or related to solar PV installation. It has been designed to be ten, four-hour sessions for high school seniors or recent graduates, but can be adapted to meet any combination of days to yield a total of 40 hours of training.
Your Future in Hydropower
Hands-on activities to explore careers and opportunities within the hydropower industry.
Exploring Hydroelectricity
Integrated and inquiry-based activities provide secondary students with a comprehensive study of the scientific, economic, environmental, technological, and societal aspects of hydropower.
Optional supplementary Hydropower Careers Guess Who? Slide Deck
Exploring Oil and Natural Gas
“Careers in the Natural Gas Industry” and “Oil and Natural Gas Career Game” on pages 103-106 of this guide.
Energy Career Videos
View more on NEED’s YouTube Channel