Essential Energy

Energy is essential in our daily lives. Americans use an enormous amount of energy in their daily lives, at home, on the job, during recreation, in transportation, and the list goes on and on.

Thanks to the hard work of people in the energy and utilities industry, we enjoy the benefits of safe and reliable energy. Do you want to be a part of a team that works collaboratively to secure our nation’s energy future and environment?

Consider a Career in Energy and Utilities

The energy and utilities industry is a dynamic industry that is constantly changing to meet the needs of our diverse nation.

Electricity use continues to rise, and new jobs are continually created, and since energy is used in a multitude of ways all over the country, a multitude of job opportunities span the country too, and these jobs have the added security of not being sent offshore.

The energy and utilities industry embraces a wide range of employees. From new entrants into the field to highly-trained incumbent professionals, there are many opportunities for people with varying education and experience backgrounds. You might be surprised at the number and variety of jobs that are offered by the industry, from sales to substation technician and pipeline technicians to power plant operators, there are many paths for prospective employees to take.

Many companies in the energy and utilities industry offer higher compensation and benefits than other industries. Many companies offer high retirement contribution matching programs, pension plans and wellness programs.

Additional examples of benefits often offered in the energy and utilities industry include tuition reimbursement and labor union membership and support.

Labor Unions

Labor unions have a rich history in the energy and utilities industry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) was founded in 1891. Labor unions are defined as an organization of workers who are united together in collective activity for workplace goals. Labor unions serve as legal representatives of workers in many industries. Most labor unions serve as employee advocates for collective bargaining on the topics of wages, benefits and working conditions. Labor unions also offer apprenticeship and training opportunities to their members.

Getting In

There are countless ways to get the training and education needed to get into a career in the energy and utilities industry. People who are already employed in the field have suggested the following routes or areas of focus that facilitate gaining entry into the industry:

• Career academies (energy, construction, engineering, electronics, STEM, business)
• Apprenticeship programs
• Co-op programs

Job Diversity

There are many different employment areas within the energy and utilities industry, in turn, there are many different skill sets and abilities that can be applied in a variety of energy careers. People who are employed in the energy and utilities industry also benefit from advancement opportunities in both technical and managerial levels. Within the energy and utilities industry, entry-level workers have access to an extensive network of education and training opportunities. Careers in the energy and utilities industry are well-known for their high quality and easily accessible on-the-job training.

Going Green

One of fastest growing segments of the energy and utilities industry is renewable energy. As renewable energy becomes a larger part in the United States, more jobs are created.

Physical Requirements

Some careers in the energy and utilities industry have physical ability requirements due to the nature of the work. Line workers and pipefitters, for example, must be in good health and have good overall physical ability and mechanical aptitude to perform their job tasks.

Time Requirements

Some careers in the industry require employees to work on shifts or to be on call in the case of an emergency.

Travel Requirements

Some careers in the industry may require little to no travel while others require extensive travel.

Employee Classification

Employees may be classified as contract or labor employees and exempt or non-exempt.
Contract – An independent contractor is self-employed, and therefore maintains responsibility for their own taxes and expenses.
Exempt – Employees whose positions meet specific tests established by the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) and state law and who are exempt from overtime pay.
Non-exempt – Employees whose positions do not meet FLSA exemptions tests and who are compensated at time and one half rate of pay for overtime, as required by federal and state law.

Wage and Salary Information

O*NET Online (Note: Enter “Energy” in Occupation Search): http://www.onetonline.org/
Career One Stop (Note: Enter “Energy” in search bar, then Explore Careers): http://www.careeronestop.org/

More Energy and Utilities Career Information

Career One Stop Career Exploration Profile: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx
Get Into Energy: http://www.getintoenergy.com/