Increasing the Energy Workforce Pipeline

Organization: Goodwill Industries of Denver

Grant Round: Workforce Innovation I

Program’s Objectives: Goodwill’s Increasing the Energy Workforce Pipeline program will prepare students for careers in the energy industry. Sixty students (30 at East High School and 30 at Montbello High School) will enroll in a year-long elective course in which they will develop their math and science skills, learn about career opportunities in the energy field, and explore post-secondary education and work options in the energy field. At the conclusion of the course, students should be capable of passing the Edison Electric Exam (a requirement for employment at Xcel Energy and other major energy employers) and will enter employment or paid apprenticeships in the energy sector. Students will receive job-search assistance and will be coached in through the application process for college, apprenticeship programs, and entry level employment opportunities in the energy industry.

Individuals Served: Through this grant we plan to serve 60 students who are in their senior year at East and Montbello high schools in an intensive year-long elective class. The class will be focused on fine-tuning of math, mechanical concepts, and reading comprehension skills. Students will have the opportunity to witness first-hand the wide world of energy and the many careers that exist within this pathway. 

Success Story: “I would like to extend my deepest appreciations to all the good-hearted people who worked with me, including my teachers and counselors from Goodwill Industries. I owe them many things including the opportunity to participate in the summer job shadow program with Xcel Energy and IBEW 111. I know I have a lot more to learn, but it just reminds me how much I love this kind of work! I am so excited to think that I will be able to have a career that I enjoy, rather than having to settle for any job just to make ends meet.”
--Chris Martinez, Xcel Energy Summer Job Shadow student employee

Quote: “It has been a pleasure to watch young people get an opportunity to be exposed to a career path that I am passionate about. I have seen students mature in a few short weeks, while learning skills that can last a lifetime.”
-- Claude Harris, Program Manager WIRED, Goodwill Industries of Denver

Collaborators: Xcel Energy, Red Rocks Community College, IBEW 111, NREL, EnCana Oil, BOCES, RTD, St. Mary Land, and Suncor Energy.