Energy

The Energy cluster is all about getting power to people's homes, schools, and businesses. People in this field discover energy sources, convert them into electricity, and ensure that power reaches everyone who needs it safely. Some work with oil and gas that comes from deep underground. Others work with clean energy from the sun, wind, and water.

Energy workers do many different jobs. Some install solar panels on rooftops. Others work on giant wind turbines that are taller than buildings. Some work on oil rigs or power plants. Others help design new ways to make clean energy that doesn't hurt the environment.

Why This Field Is Growing:

More people want clean energy from the sun and wind
Old power plants need to be updated with new technology
Electric cars are becoming popular and need charging stations
Climate change is making people look for cleaner ways to make power
New technology is making renewable energy cheaper and better

Cool Technology in Energy:

Solar panels that can power entire neighborhoods
Wind turbines as tall as skyscrapers that make electricity from wind
Smart power grids that can fix themselves when there are problems
Giant batteries that store energy from the sun and wind for cloudy or calm days
Underwater turbines that make power from ocean waves and currents

In Virginia, this cluster employs over 100,000 people! Jobs for solar installers, wind technicians, and energy engineers are expected to grow much faster than most other jobs in the coming years.

Energy

Solar Panel Installer

What They Do: Solar panel installers put solar panels on rooftops and in big fields to capture energy from the sun. They turn sunlight into electricity that powers homes and businesses. It's like being a superhero who brings clean power to everyone!

Daily Tasks:

Climb on rooftops to install solar panels safely
Use special tools to connect panels to electrical systems
Read blueprints and plans to know where the panels should go
Test panels to make sure they're working correctly
Work with electricians to connect panels to homes
Follow safety rules to stay safe while working up high
Clean and organize tools and equipment
Drive to different job sites to install panels in new places

What's Cool About This Job: You get to work outside and see your work making clean energy every day. You help families save money on their electric bills while protecting the environment!

Wind Turbine Technician

What They Do: Wind turbine technicians climb inside giant wind turbines to keep them running smoothly. These tall towers capture wind and turn it into electricity. It's like being a mechanic for machines that are taller than the Statue of Liberty!

Daily Tasks:

Climb up inside wind turbines to check all the parts
Fix broken parts like gears, motors, and electrical systems
Use computers to run tests and find problems
Replace worn-out parts before they break
Keep detailed records of what work was done
Follow strict safety rules when working at great heights
Work with tools like wrenches, meters, and computers
Travel to different wind farms to service multiple turbines

What's Cool About This Job: You get amazing views from hundreds of feet in the air and work with some of the biggest machines on Earth. You help create clean energy that doesn't pollute the air!

Energy Engineer

What They Do: Energy engineers design new ways to make and use power more efficiently. They might design solar farms, plan electrical systems, or create new technologies that save energy. They use math and science to solve energy problems and make the world more sustainable.

Daily Tasks:

Use computer programs to design new energy systems
Visit job sites to make sure projects are built correctly
Meet with teams to plan new energy projects
Calculate how much energy different systems can produce
Write reports about new energy technologies
Test new equipment to see how well it works
Work with other engineers and scientists on big projects
Research new ways to make clean energy cheaper and better

What's Cool About This Job: You get to invent the future of energy and help solve climate change. Your designs could power entire cities with clean energy!

Start in Middle School:

Take math and science classes, especially physics
Join engineering or environmental clubs
Visit power plants or solar farms on field trips
Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment
Learn about different types of energy and how they work
Practice building things with your hands

Continue in High School:

Take physics, chemistry, and advanced math classes
Join SkillsUSA or an engineering club
Take drafting or engineering CTE courses
Get part-time jobs with electrical or construction companies
Visit Virginia Tech's engineering programs
Take dual enrollment classes in engineering or environmental science
Learn to use tools safely in shop classes
Get certifications in electrical or construction safety
Job shadow energy workers at local companies
Participate in science fairs with energy projects
Attend engineering summer camps

Technical Training (1-2 years):

Jobs: Solar Panel Installers, Electrical Helpers, Power Plant Operators, Energy Technicians Average Salary: $35,000 - $50,000

Community College (2 years):

Jobs: Wind Turbine Technicians, Solar Electricians, Energy Technicians, Power Plant Technicians Average Salary: $45,000 - $65,000

Four-Year College:

Jobs: Energy Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Project Managers Average Salary: $75,000 - $95,000

Advanced Degrees:

Jobs: Senior Engineers, Research Scientists, Energy Consultants, Company Executives Average Salary: $95,000 - $130,000+

Try It Out!

Visit a local solar installation or wind farm
Build a simple solar car or wind turbine model in science class
Shadow someone who works for an energy company like Dominion Energy
Join your school's engineering, robotics, or environmental club
Experiment with renewable energy kits or science fair projects
Tour the Science Museum of Virginia's energy exhibits in Richmond
Visit a power plant during a school field trip

Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia is building one of the largest offshore wind farms in the United States? It will feature 176 giant wind turbines in the Atlantic Ocean, capable of powering over 660,000 homes with clean energy.