When we think about clean energy, engineering and construction skills might come to mind first. But the transition to clean energy requires a broad array of skills that your students are already building in their CTE programs. Consider how students in these CTE pathways can use their skills to make an impact in the clean energy industry:

Culinary arts and hospitality

Did you know that restaurants use five to seven times more energy than other commercial buildings? Problem-solving, resourcefulness, and waste-reduction expertise are essential skills in this field. Finding ways to reduce energy consumption, incorporate clean energy resources, and even convert food waste into energy are all ways in which culinary arts and hospitality students can apply their skills to a clean energy future.

Health sciences

Have you ever considered the role of clean energy in supporting public health? Clean energy benefits health by reducing harmful emissions like carbon dioxide. But it’s also crucial to keeping our healthcare systems up and running. Students with facility management skills can help develop clean energy solutions to support reliable electricity for healthcare facilities.

Business and marketing

How does a clean energy business become successful? Clean energy has become a critical component of the U.S. economy. That means there are countless new business opportunities within the energy industry. Business- and marketing-minded professionals are needed to design and advertise clean energy services, to create financial models for installation, and to help other businesses transition to renewable energy suppliers.

Transportation, distribution, and logistics

What will transportation look like in a clean energy future? We’ll need to pursue more sustainable methods of transportation — but the energy transition also requires distribution and logistics expertise. Students who understand supply chains, fleet management, and even safety and compliance will be able to manage solar panel and wind turbine transportation, design efficient routes for energy-conscious transportation, and implement safety protocols for new fuel technologies.

Arts and communications

But what about the arts? The clean energy industry needs creative innovators. Whether developing public education campaigns or producing multimedia content, artistic and storytelling abilities can help us talk about the clean energy transition. Plus, designers with technical and creative skills are crucial to designing the interfaces that allow us to actually make use of clean energy!

You don’t need to be an energy expert to help your students explore clean energy solutions. No matter what CTE course you teach, your students are already building valuable, transferable skills that the energy industry needs. But don’t take it from us — ask them! Amazing things happen when we unleash student creativity.

Ready to help your students discover how their skills and career interests connect to clean energy careers? Take this tour of the submission form and register for the challenge. Submissions are due on November 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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