As part of its celebration of Careers in Energy Week, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is holding a contest inviting California high school and college students to share their views on the value and impact of choosing a career in the utility sector. PG&E is sponsoring the contest through the California Energy and Utility Workforce Consortium, a group of eight California utilities committed to raising awareness about career opportunities in the energy field.

 

”New technology, changing needs, and a transitioning workforce have created a demand for bright and energetic minds to carry the energy industry into the future,” says Laura Butler, vice president, Talent Management and Inclusion. ”Our goal is to showcase the incredibly exciting opportunities in energy today, and encourage students to think about this as a field where they can make a difference and help build a better future for California.”

 

Entrants must create a PowerPoint presentation, an essay, a video, or a PDF poster that illustrates why students should pursue careers with energy or utility companies, underscores the value of a diverse workforce that reflects PG&E’s communities, and highlights the importance of a particular field (such as gas transmission or water purification).

 

Cash awards will be given to category winners in high school ($1,500 first place; $1,000 second place, and $500 third place) and college ($2,000 first place; $1,500 second place, and $1,000 third place). Students can enter at www.getintoenergyca.com. The entry deadline is Friday, Jan. 2, 2015.

 

Careers in Energy Week, held every October, is a nationwide effort to increase awareness about energy careers and promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. The week provides an opportunity for companies to connect with high schools, community colleges, and universities, and helps reinforce the valuable opportunities around STEM curriculum.

 

The California Energy and Utility Workforce Consortium is comprised of eight California public utilities: PG&E, State of California Department of Water Resources, Southern California Gas Co., Sacramento Municipal Utility District, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and Roseville Electric. The consortium’s goal is to provide information, resources and opportunities to high school and college students to help them make an informed decision about an energy or utility career.

 

Additional information on the ”Careers in Energy Week Contest” is available on the consortium’s website (http://www.getintoenergyca. com/).