Careers in Energy Week is a national celebration of energy industry professionals with national and state-level programming to spotlight the high growth, in-demand careers in the energy sector.
In cooperation with the Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium, “Get into Energy” activities across the state connect students, educators, and job seekers with energy professionals to learn more about the industry, available energy careers and the best ways to pursue those opportunities.
“Careers in Energy Week highlights the exciting new and emerging opportunities within Michigan’s essential energy industry,” said Chris HooSang, director, Corporate HR and Innovation. “For DTE, the week carves out time for our employees to engage and inspire area students by sharing their energy career experiences and how their work serves our customers and communities.”
DTE employees joined in-person and virtual events to engage and inspire young people across Michigan to pursue careers in energy.
DTE Greater Michigan Workforce Development program manager, Lashae Simmons, kicked off the week at Mason Country Central High School in Scottville, Michigan on Monday, Oct. 20, alongside Jonathan Wittlieff, supervisor, DTE Gas Operations and technician team member Pat Chye.
Jonathan and Pat shared their day-to-day, on-the-job experiences in gas field operations with students, teachers, and administrators.
“We thank the good people at DTE for visiting our students,” said Central High’s principal Jeff Tuka. “It is so important for our students to know about all the possible career opportunities available to them and today, they learned so much about Michigan energy jobs from those at DTE who do that work every day.”
DTE Waterford Service Center hosts 56 Oakland Technical Schools high-school program enrollees.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, students explored real-world energy careers with the stations’ distribution operations field leaders and team members stationed at DTE’s recently opened Waterford Service Center. Five indoor and outdoor learning stations provided students a snapshot of the Waterford Center teams’ day-to-day work serving area communities.
DTE HR Workforce Development Manager Monique Johnson and her team volunteered to greet and direct students during the onsite tour.
“Our Careers in Energy event was a powerful reminder of why we do this work,” said Johnson. “It is so rewarding to watch students envision their future, lighting up students as our employees connected classroom learnings to real-world careers.”
Energy Career Awareness Webinar + Unveiling Energy Awareness Exhibit at Junior Achievement of Southeast Michigan’s JA Finance Park
Gas Operations Supervisor and Stationary Engineer Ingrid Lee joined several energy industry professionals who shared their energy career journeys with students, educators and non-profit teams attending virtually across the state.
“Engaging our young people is incredibly rewarding for me,” said Ingrid. “By sharing my career experiences, they’ll see that careers like mine are not only achievable, but they’re also an opportunity to serve their communities while building a great life for themselves at the same time.”
Immediately following the online event, the DTE Foundation, together with Junior Achievement of Southeast Michigan unveiled a redesigned immersive learning installation.
“Be an Energy MVP: From Rookie to Legend!” is a dynamic, interactive experience highlights careers in renewable energy, emerging technologies, engineering, as well as plant and field operations.
“This installation reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation for the energy careers of tomorrow,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “By partnering with Junior Achievement, we’re helping students connect their education to real opportunities in the energy industry, whether that’s in electric vehicle infrastructure, solar technology, or skilled trades.”
DTE employees worked collaboratively and dedicating extra time and energy to make the installation truly engaging for the youth touring JA’s Finance Park.
“We’re meeting Michigan students where they are to share the in-demand, Michigan-based energy careers available to them,” said Amy Schultz, DTE Energy Chief Learning and Talent Officer, Executive Director, Organizational Effectiveness, and Junior Achievement Board Member. “Our new hands-on learning exhibit, launched during Careers in Energy Week, is one of many ways that our company is working to inform, inspire and retain our talented young people to pursue future-proof energy careers in which they’ll contribute to our state’s growth and prosperity.”
Learn more about the “Energy MVP” installation and JA’s Finance Park – click here.