Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Capital Area Michigan Works! CEO Carrie Rosingana to look back upon 2020’s Careers in Energy Week which ran October 19 – 23.
The focus of the interview is What is Careers in Energy Week? — and CAMW! connection and role.
To hear Carrie and Jeffrey discuss this topic, click play on the podcast interview below!
QUESTION: What is Careers in Energy Week?
ANSWER: The Careers in Energy Week is held each year to promote awareness about growing
opportunities within the energy and utilities industries. This event helps feed the industry’s
talent pipeline. Careers in Energy Week took place this last week – Oct. 19 through Oct. 23.
Members of the Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC) and the
National Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) participated in Careers in Energy
Week 2020.
QUESTION: Why is it important to highlight careers in energy in our region?
ANSWER: As the Governor proclaimed, highlighting careers in energy provides a roadmap for
high school, career, and technical education, and community college students to pursue jobs in
the often less visible energy sector. Being able to look at local opportunities to help provide
connections to these in-demand occupations can help to broaden the opportunities for
individuals to explore these careers and understand how to take steps to link to where
opportunities in energy careers exist in our region and across the state.
QUESTION: Why is the partnership between CAMW!, BWL, and the State of Michigan
important/significant?
ANSWER: CAMW! has been a partner in the statewide Michigan Energy Workforce
Development Consortium (MEWDC) for years, as has the Lansing BWL and the State of
Michigan. When the MEDWC began to explore Careers in Energy Week activities several years
ago, CAMW! and the BWL partnered in our region, along with Lansing Community College, to
offer a tour of several BWL plants to help youth in the CAMW! Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates
Program learn about energy careers directly from BWL staff while having the opportunity to see
staff in action. After the tour, students were able to tour LCC and speak with instructors to learn
about the educational opportunities available in the region that would help individuals be more
prepared for energy career opportunities. This collaboration has continued over the past
several years and CAMW! could not be more proud to work alongside the BWL and the State of
Michigan to help people learn about these important careers that are expected to continue to
see growth and be in demand in the years ahead.
QUESTION: How was this year’s event different than past years with in-person events? What did participants learn during the week?
ANSWER: Training and other resources were provided on the Brazen platform. This platform
allowed participants to communicate with huge, dispersed groups for a variety of functions.
Plus, the ability to record meetings expanded organizations’ reaches even further with
participation. Careers in Energy Week focused on the diversity of careers and opportunities for the Job Seeker Fair, information about the CEWD National Career fair, a panel discussion with utility companies, educators, and workforce development agencies, and contests for high school
students statewide.
Overall participants learned about Michigan’s growing energy industry. High school students
learned about career pathways & opportunities, best practices for communicating with all
educators, and a Career and Technical Education (CTE) event that included a virtual tour of
energy programs. Job seeking adults and educators learned about employment opportunities
and career awareness, best practices for communication with a diversity focus, and adult
pathways through post-secondary education. Counselors, educators, and parents gained resources to equip their students for the industry of energy.
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