There is nothing better than a free event the whole family can enjoy. Especially one that gets you moving on your feet and introduces you to exciting new careers connected to energy and water resources.
The 2023 SEE Your Future Career Day, hosted by KLRN PBS and powered by CPS Energy and Itron,Inc., took place on February 25th at St. Philip’s College. This event, centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), included everything from Connect to Flow Family Kids Yoga and SnapCircuit Wind Turbines to Virtual Reality and Learn About Alternate Fuels activities. With technology on a constant full-speed trajectory to the future, the world needs creative new minds ready to improve existing technology and discover solutions to make a better tomorrow a reality.
“Studies have shown if you have studied STEM, your earning potential is exponentially larger” – Marie Michele St. Hubert, Ph.D. St. Phillips College
Each year, STEM jobs become an increasingly critical asset to industries across many sectors and can be a great way to ensure a long and lucrative career. This is shown for example, in a report released by The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts significant growth in employment for green energy jobs. Careers in energy, especially those involved in the skilled trades, engineering, and programming, are in higher demand than ever before. Yet, despite the influx of openings, employers continue to report difficulty filling these high-paying positions due to a lack of qualified candidates in the talent pipeline.
“We are also seeing a massive amount of change in the industry. Things are becoming more automated and we need people who can run those IT systems, technical systems, those who can work on robotics, fly drones, and do all kinds of things in the future that just don’t exist today….The best way to start is to recruit young people who are interested in technology.” – Lisa Lewis, Chief Administrative officer at CPS Energy
The Chamber of Commerce reports 74% of hiring managers agree that there is a skills gap in the current labor market, with 48% saying that candidates lack the skills needed to fill open jobs. Which is why events and programs that expose students to science, energy, and technology are more critical now than ever.
Events like the SEE your Future Career Day with KLRN that focus on STEM, career readiness, trades involving STEM work, career day presentations, and more, are a fantastic opportunity for students of all ages to connect with the energy professionals in their community. The PBS KIDS character, Sid the Science Kid, even made a guest appearance to get the crowd excited about STEM careers!
“I am excited the students will have the opportunity to explore and discover and to spend time asking questions about how the STEM professionals in their community got to where they are now, to ask the question, how can I latch onto your experiences to reach my career goals and aspirations?” – President of St. Phillips College, Dr. Loston
Students need to have a pathway where they can learn about the potential STEM and energy have for providing young people with unique pathways to learn and contribute to their communities through their jobs. Technology is constantly changing, and humanity has become increasingly reliant on its luxuries. However, without energy professionals in our trades, schools, and industries, the ability to maintain our comfortable way of life will disappear. Modern energy brought us to where we are, but clean energy and a new generation of innovative minds will be the ones to take us to a better, more sustainable future.
Smart Energy Education is constantly looking to find energy-related opportunities and career pathways for students. Partnering with powerhouse organizations like KLRN provides us with the resources needed to bring our community the greatest events possible. For more information on energy careers and activities, visit Smart Energy Education, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, so you never miss any new projects or events!
