Backed by the Power IT grant and delivered in partnership with the Urban Institute and IREC, this national initiative connects Per Scholas-trained technologists with employers in the energy, utility, and construction sectors. This supports our mission to drive economic mobility while helping employers fill high-demand roles with job-ready professionals.
An Industry Built on Infrastructure, Now Driven by Technology
The energy sector is becoming increasingly technology-driven, with modernization, digital transformation, and the growth of clean energy pushing technical roles to the forefront of the industry. According to Lightcast, tech positions in the energy sector have grown by 1,200% in the U.S., with demand for software engineers up 600%, security analysts up 400%, and IT infrastructure managers up 350% since 2023.
These roles are now essential to how the sector generates, distributes, and manages energy. From cloud systems to grid automation, digital expertise is now a foundational component of how modern energy systems operate.
But the talent pipeline is not keeping pace. A recent survey found that 74% of energy employers report struggling to find the skilled talent they need. McKinsey projects that global energy demand will double by 2050, accelerating the pressure to scale both infrastructure and the workforce behind it.
This challenge spans the full landscape. Both fossil fuel and renewable energy providers are competing for the same digital talent. Without scalable solutions to build and retain that workforce, critical projects stall, operational costs rise, and timelines slip.
The bottom line: the energy talent shortage is no longer a future concern; it’s a present-day business risk.
A Talent Solution, Built for Industry
The Power Up Series connects employers and workforce development professionals in the energy, utility, and infrastructure sectors with skilled, certified talent trained to meet today’s operational demands.
Our technologists are equipped for high-impact roles that drive performance, support modernization efforts, and contribute to long-term business growth. From grid management to cybersecurity, Per Scholas-trained professionals are prepared to make a meaningful contribution on day one.
Roles we help employers fill include:
- Network Support Specialists – Maintain smart grid technology and remote monitoring platforms to ensure uptime and efficiency.
- Cybersecurity Analysts – Protect critical infrastructure and customer data while supporting compliance and risk management.
- Data Analysts – Monitor energy usage, generate insights for optimization, and support decision-making across systems.
- Project Coordinators – Drive execution across large-scale infrastructure projects, from EV rollouts to smart meter integration.
In every Power Up market, our training aligns with regional workforce priorities and needs. We work directly with employers to ensure the skills we teach reflect current and emerging needs. Through events, targeted job matching, and customized engagement opportunities, we connect businesses with job-ready talent prepared to support mission-critical work.
Apprenticeships and Upskilling Enhance Retention
Employers don’t just need new hires. They need talent that stays.
That’s why the Power Up Series includes both registered apprenticeships and alumni upskilling programs, providing clear advancement pathways and retention strategies for employers investing in long-term workforce development.
Our Department of Labor–registered cybersecurity apprenticeship program offers companies scalable and flexible ways to strengthen their workforce from within.
A Scalable Partnership Model
For companies looking to expand or modernize infrastructure, the Power Up Series offers a reliable talent development strategy:
- Access to job-ready talent with aligned certifications and training
- Flexible partnerships based on local market needs and hiring goals
- Event opportunities to engage directly with skilled alumni
- Visibility through the Career Equity platform
This initiative is designed to scale with the industry and our partners’ needs.
“By launching Power Up, we’re not just preparing learners for new careers. We’re helping employers fill mission-critical roles with highly skilled and motivated technologists.”
— Ken Walker, Executive Vice President, Inclusion & Culture, Per Scholas
Ready to Power Up Your Workforce?
Connect with Per Scholas Talent Solutions to explore how the Power Up Series can support your talent pipeline infrastructure for the energy and utility sectors.