As of a 2011 survey, the average age of the workforce in the energy sector was 46.1 years and the number of employees age 53 and above had increased by 5% in just five years. It is safe to say that in the next five years over 50% of energy workers will be eligible to retire in the next 10 years.
At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2026, out of the top 20 fastest growing occupations, the top two spots belong to the energy sector. DTE Energy knows that they are competing for the same talent in the same region as many other industries. The traditional rate of skilled trade apprentice hires will not keep pace with expected demand.
DTE is leading a statewide vision to address the skills gap and increase the quality of candidates for in-demand jobs by building a sustainable talent …