Oklahoma Careers in Energy Week, recognized Oct. 16 – 20, is a national observance that highlights the many career opportunities the energy sector provides. Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) energizes the industry by investing in the next generation of leaders and creating a sustainable workforce for years to come.
For many Oklahomans, everyday items are gradually becoming more electrified and connected to the grid. The dynamic landscape of rapidly changing energy needs is creating a wide range of career opportunities for the industry leaders of tomorrow.
Energy workers are essential to our modern way of life. For OG&E, recruiting and retaining talent in the energy sector is critical to delivering clean, safe, and reliable energy to every customer. Heath Biehl, an honored military veteran, began his career in energy working as an auxiliary operator at OG&E.
Now, as the McClain Plant Operations Manager, he dedicates time in and outside of work to invest in students through workforce development programs. His commitment to growing tomorrow’s energy leaders goes beyond training and includes recently hiring three of his interns as full-time OG&E employees.
“The energy industry plays a critical role in everyday life, and it’s important to equip the leaders of tomorrow with the tools necessary to succeed,” Biehl said.
“The programs at OG&E create a space for students to explore a wide range of career opportunities and develop their skills. Our company’s commitment to workforce development demonstrates how we energize our communities for today and tomorrow. It’s a privilege to walk alongside these talented future energy leaders.”
For more than two decades, OG&E has built long-lasting relationships with local educational institutions, including local universities, community colleges, career technology centers, and public schools that have a strong focus on STEM careers. As a result, the company’s workforce includes employees and interns from these programs that help lead the way in providing innovative solutions to energize homes and businesses across Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
“The energy industry is rapidly evolving and drives our commitment to invest in future energy leaders,” said Mark Silvers, OG&E director of learning and workforce development. “It is important to start workforce development engagement early with students to help them prepare for a future career in the industry. We work towards developing a skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve as part of our mission to provide life-sustaining and life-enhancing products and services to the communities we call home.”
OG&E’s dedication to energy education expands into diverse communities across Oklahoma. The electric company offers educational power plant tours through partnerships including Oklahoma City Public Schools and Moore Public Schools to create awareness about careers in energy. OG&E works with the next generation of leaders in the Advanced Manufacturing Program and the Computer Science Academy at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center, providing them with hands-on experience working with professionals in their chosen careers while gaining valuable energy industry experience.
OG&E is also a Distinguished Employer Partner with Langston University, the only historically black college or university in the state of Oklahoma, and provides internships to students from the university’s electronics technology and computer drafting design technology programs. OG&E focuses on inclusive recruitment and partners with organizations like Northwest Lineman College and Cherokee Nation to help further diversify the industry.
Additionally, the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation Inc. provides scholarships to aspiring energy leaders to continue to build a talented workforce pipeline. Nine first-year college students studying power transmission or distribution technology at Oklahoma State University-OKC were recently awarded the OG&E Energy Scholarship.
Source: OGE press release
