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Workforce Initiative

IEEE Power & Energy Workforce Initiative

With the onshoring of manufacturing, the rapid expansion of data centers, and growth across power and other heavy industries, securing a skilled workforce has never been more critical. To meet this demand, we must strengthen our supply chains and train a new generation of craft workforce to deliver the next generation of facilities.

Leslie M. Duke

Chairman and CEO, Burns & McDonnell

In Costa Rica, a decline in electrical engineering students wishing to specialize in power systems has been observed. At the University of Costa Rica, we are also planning to run a technical tour jointly with the IEEE PES Student Branch Chapter.

Juan Carlos,

PES Governing Board Member, Electrical Power System Planning Coordinator, Costa Rica

The industry needs people with different skills to assist in the integration of renewables, manage multidirectional transmission systems, implement AI systems. PES Scholarship Plus Initiative was expanded such that any undergraduate student who is studying in an IEEE field of interest is eligible for the scholarship if they want to get engaged in the power and energy industry.

Dan Toland,

Director, PES

The electric power and energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation and is expected to continue evolving at a rapid pace. In this context, IEEE PES and the PES Workforce Initiative play a vital role. They are instrumental in shaping and advancing workforce development strategies that align with the evolving needs of the industry, ensuring a robust talent pipeline to support the future of power and energy systems.

Dr. Shuhui Li,

Director RESYL, University of Alabama

At WSU, we have been hearing from our industry partners the urgent need for workforce development to meet the growing needs of the power industry. We are looking forward to the continued leadership of the IEEE PES Workforce Initiative in coordinating this important effort moving forward. It has been my privilege to be a part of the IEEE PES Workforce Initiative.

Dr. Mani Venkatasubramanian,

Boeing Distinguished Professor, Washington State University

IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) is deeply committed to cultivating the next wave of power system professionals. Through scholarships, mentorships, student chapters, global events, and technical communities, IEEE PES is building pathways for young engineers and researchers to contribute meaningfully to one of the most critical sectors of our modern world.

Dr. Nirmal Nair,

Professor, University of Auckland, New Zealand

IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) is deeply committed to cultivating the next wave of power system professionals. Through scholarships, mentorships, student chapters, global events, and technical communities, IEEE PES is building pathways for young engineers and researchers to contribute meaningfully to one of the most critical sectors of our modern world.

Chan Wong,

Director, Landis + Gyr

As the power industry continues to evolve—driving economic growth and enabling advancements in sectors like AI—the most pressing challenge remains building and sustaining a capable workforce. Addressing this issue requires collaboration among all stakeholders. This is precisely what the IEEE PES Workforce Initiative aims to address.

Dr. Masood Parvania,

Roger P. Webb Endowed Professor, University of Utah

As part of the IEEE PES Workforce Initiative, we are dedicated to developing innovative programs that empower students worldwide with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to lead in power and energy systems.

Dr. Osama Mohammed

Distinguished Professor, Energy Systems Research Laboratory, Florida

Participating in the panel on workforce challenges has been highly rewarding. It is essential to continue nurturing and expanding the pipeline of talented early-career professionals to ensure a robust and innovative future for our industry.

Ambra Sannino

VP R&D, Vattenfall

Participating in the IEEE PES Workforce Initiative for the past two years has been very fulfilling. Follow-on work in this area is needed to continue to grow the workforce pipeline of talented early-career engineers, scientists, and energy leaders.

Debbie Brodt-Giles

Strategic Energy Security Group Manager, NREL

Vendors are working to develop and explore new technology. A collaboration between vendors, industry, academia and led by PES is needed to workforce development. 

Dr Subir Sen

ED Engineering and New Technology, POWERGRID, INDIA.

Reliability and affordability are important aspects of renewable energy. PES is best positioned in educating this aspect to all the stakeholders and developing the future workforce.

Vaidyanathan Narsimhan

Head Power Transmission New Energy business, Reliance

The future of our industry depends on how well we invest in people today. Platforms like IEEE are essential in driving these conversations forward and aligning industry leaders around what truly matters—people.

Josh Nieves

Founder, Workforce Development, IBEW

The issue of an aging and retiring workforce has become an unprecedented problem in the electric power industry.. Electric Utilities also need to implement leadership development programs and career paths to retain existing utility employees.

Wayne Bishop Jr.

Vice President, Industry Outreach & Strategy, Quanta Technology

There is tremendous challenge and opportunity as we carry out our vital mission of delivering electricity to our customers. The PES is one tool Oncor uses to assist in this activity.

Mark Carpenter

Senior Vice President of Transmission & Distribution Operations

The IEEE PES Workforce Workshop serves as an excellent platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the electric utility sector, which is experiencing significant growth worldwide.

Raj Beasla, Sr.

Director Electric Transmission and Substation Engineering, PG&E

At ISGT Europe in 2024, the Workforce Initiative hosted a panel discussion to share best practices across the industry and globe.  With a global shortage of PES professionals, the exchange of ideas was much appreciated by all.

Annika Moman

Commercial Director, Power & Energy at WSP Sweden

Check out the official announcement.

For more information about our Workforce Initiative email us at .

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2024 PES General Meeting

workforce 2024PESGM Debbie
workforce 2024PESGM group
workforce 2024PESGM Shuhui

Have a suggestion or idea? Contact IEEE PES here with subject line: Workforce Initiative.

Are you a PES member interested in volunteering with this Initiative? Please complete this form. In completing this form, you agree that the IEEE PES may contact you regarding volunteering opportunities.

Look for the PES workforce Initiative volunteers at these and other events: