Each October, energy companies across the country come together to celebrate Careers in Energy Week, a national initiative led by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD). Since 2010, CEWD and its member companies have worked to raise awareness about the many rewarding and essential careers available in the energy industry — helping connect students, job seekers, and communities with the opportunities that power our nation.
At Pepco, workforce development is a year-round priority, and this year’s Careers in Energy Week provided two inspiring examples of that commitment in action: the DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) Pepco Utility Training Program Graduation and an Energize Day collaboration with Jack and Jill of America.
Building the Workforce That Powers D.C.
The DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) Pepco Utility Training Program is one of our cornerstone workforce initiatives, developed in partnership with the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) and Exelon. The program connects District residents with the skills, training, and resources needed to build meaningful, family-sustaining careers in the energy industry.
During this year’s DCIA Graduation, we celebrated the 17th cohort of graduates ready to join the region’s energy workforce — each representing new opportunity and a stronger, more resilient local economy. To date, more than 300 participants have completed the program and transitioned into skilled positions that help keep our communities powered.
“Whether you’re climbing poles, troubleshooting systems, or managing operations, your work will matter,” Rodney Oddoye, Chief Operating Officer at Pepco told the graduates. “You’ll be the ones saving the day when the weather gets rough and the lights go out. You’ll be the ones helping us build a smarter, more resilient energy future. And you’ll be the ones supporting our customers and communities when they need us the most.”
The celebration brought together city officials, community partners, and Pepco employees who share a vision for advancing local talent and ensuring all residents have access to the opportunities created by a cleaner, smarter energy future.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Pepco Energize Day
As we celebrate graduates taking their next steps into energy careers, we’re also focused on inspiring future professionals who may one day follow in their footsteps. That’s the goal behind Pepco Energize Day — a hands-on learning experience that introduces young students to the people, technology, and purpose behind the energy industry.
Hosted at our Benning Service Center, this year’s event welcomed about 25 elementary students from the Washington, D.C., chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a membership organization dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders. The event gave students an up-close look at how energy professionals power our communities every day.
Throughout the day, students took part in live line demonstrations with our Overhead Lines team, explored the tools and equipment used by our Underground team, built mini wind turbines to learn about wind power, and learned about STEM careers through interactive exhibits from Exelon STEM and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project.
Powering the Workforce of the Future
From adults stepping into new careers to students discovering what’s possible, Careers in Energy Week reminded us that building the energy workforce of the future starts with connection. When we open our doors, share our stories, and give people a hands-on look at what we do, we help spark curiosity and confidence in the next generation of energy professionals.