We’ve been hearing a lot of questions about the new Power and Energy Career Pathway lately — What is it? What skillsets does it cover? What type of equipment is necessary (versus a “nice to have”)? What does a career trajectory look like within these programs? Etc.
In this blog post we’ll take the time to dig a little deeper into this new Career and Technical Education (CTE) career pathway. Let’s start with the basics…
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What is the new Power and Energy Career Pathway?
The CTE Power and Energy career pathway is a structured educational program designed to prepare students for careers in the power and energy sector. CTE programs typically offer a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and work-based learning experiences to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for various roles within the industry.
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Within our territory, we’ve seen this career pathway prioritized by Virginia (it’s the 17th career cluster), a state sanctioned program of study within Maryland, and a Program of Study within the West Virginia Engineering & Technology Cluster. Power and Energy continues to grow in popularity within state and county CTE Career Pathways, Clusters, and Programs of Study.
What careers are encompasses within a CTE Energy Career Pathway?
In general, careers in the power and energy sector encompass a wide range of opportunities related to the generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption of energy. This includes traditional energy sources like fossil fuels as well as renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. Additionally, there are roles in energy efficiency, energy storage, smart grid technologies, electric vehicles, and more.
What are the skills that must be taught in the new Energy Career Pathways?
The specific courses and curriculum within a CTE Power and Energy pathway may vary depending on the institution offering the program and the local industry needs. However, common areas of focus may include:
- Fundamentals of Energy: Introduce students to the basic concepts of energy, including different types of energy sources, energy conversion processes, and principles of energy conservation and efficiency.
- Electrical Systems: Students learn about the principles of electricity, electrical circuits, wiring techniques, and safety procedures. This may include training in electrical theory, circuit analysis, and hands-on experience with electrical equipment and tools.
- Renewable Energy Technologies: Cover renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. Students learn about the technology, installation, maintenance, and operation of renewable energy systems.
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Students explore strategies for reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Topics may include energy audits, building insulation, HVAC systems, lighting upgrades, and energy management techniques.
- Power Generation and Distribution: Focus on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. Students learn about power plants, substations, transformers, grid systems, and electrical infrastructure.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Students examine the environmental and social implications of energy production and consumption. Topics may include climate change, air and water pollution, environmental regulations, and sustainable energy practices.
The learning outcomes or each of these focus areas varies depending on grade level. For example, Henrico County in Virginia does not currently offer Power and Energy courses for middle school students, however, high school students have the opportunity to take Electricity & Cabling I & II; Electronic Systems I & II; Energy and Power; and Energy Demand: Sustainability and Efficiency. That said, the basic principles taught within these courses can be covered through braod STEM programming at younger grade levels.
What types of equipment are used for Energy Career Pathway hands-on learning?
Educators are turning to turnkey comprehensive teaching kits or investing in individual trainers geared toward particular focus areas.
Complete Kits
The Renewable Energy Science Kit from Horizon Educational is an example of a complete kit that demonstrates the workings of a clean energy technology system on a miniature scale. .Students can power an electrical circuit by solar panel or a wind turbine with profiled blades based on NASA aeronautics or generate hydrogen through water electrolysis and convert it into electricity using a PEM fuel cell. Whichever combination of technologies you want to explore, this science kit is a comprehensive introduction to the principles behind renewable microgrids.
Individual Training Systems
Amatrol offers a variety of training systems specific to a variety of Power and Energy focus areas, including electrical systems, energy fundamentals, power generation, and more. These include:
- Portable AC/DC Electrical Learning System
- Computer Control Training Systems
- Electric Relay Control Systems Trainer
- AC Motor Drive Systems Trainer
- Electrical Wiring Training System
- Electrical Power Distribution Training System
- Portable PLC Troubleshooting Training System
- Basic Mechanical Drives Training System
Amatrol’s Solar and Photovoltaic related trainers include:
- Solar PV Troubleshooting Training
- Solar Installation Technician Training
- Alternative Energy Learning System – Wind and Solar
Amatrol’s wind energy related trainers include:
- Wind Turbine Generator Control System
- Turbine Electric Hub Troubleshooting Training System
- Wind Turbine Nacelle Training
- Alternative Energy Learning System – Wind and Solar
Lucas Nuelle’s Smart Grid related trainers include Smart Grid Stations 1, 2 and 3. Great additions to this focus area include the DAC Transformer Wiring Training System and the DAC Transformer Connections Training System.
You can find more information on these specific trainers in our Energy and Power brochure.
What would bring an Energy Career Pathway to the next level?
CTE Power and Energy programs may also incorporate industry certifications, apprenticeships, internships, and other opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and make connections with employers in the field. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to pursue entry-level positions in various sectors of the power and energy industry or continue their education at the post-secondary level.
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