Seeking a new generation of skilled labor

Powerful Potential program raises awareness of electric cooperative career paths

Over the next 10 years, one-third of skilled trades professionals will retire and leave the workforce at a faster rate than younger workers can replace them.

To maintain a safe and reliable electric system while tackling the energy challenges ahead, Great River Energy has set out to inform young people about the wealth of career opportunities in the electric industry, and specifically with electric co-ops.

“Careers with electric cooperatives are meaningful, rewarding and available in communities all across Minnesota,” said Great River Energy Vice President and Chief Corporate and Member Services Officer Lisa Orpen. “Careers with co-ops allow young people to work for a cause and organization that supports their family, friends and neighbors.”

Great River Energy and its member-owners not only face the challenge of replacing retiring employees, but they must also find people with the skills to advance the energy transition. The adoption of renewable energy and grid modernization are introducing new and important career paths.

“Best of all, many cooperative careers do not require four-year degrees, allowing young people to start their careers sooner,” Orpen said.

Facing these challenges, Great River Energy and its member-owners are taking a proactive approach to building and supporting technical careers through its Powerful Potential program.

Powerful Potential is designed to educate high school students about careers in the electric industry and provide avenues for hands-on opportunities.

In late June, Great River Energy welcomed 50 high school students to its first Cooperative Careers Camp. The all-day event provided attendees with a taste of Great River Energy’s field technician and operations careers, many of which utilize skills that can be learned at a trade school or through an apprenticeship or training program.

Great River Energy Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel addressed the camp, detailing Great River Energy’s reputation as a leader in the electric industry. According to Patel, Great River Energy regularly hires passionate, driven, service-oriented, strategic thinkers to bring their skills and ideas to the team.

Powerful Potential aims to match recent and future high school graduates with training programs that nurture skills and interests and inspire young people to help their communities.

Camp attendees visited the Powerful Potential booth, where they could ask career-related questions and receive additional resources as they continue to explore their future career options.