Education Reimagined

Powering the Next Generation of Utility Professionals

Jackson College is shining a light on all the opportunities available to students in today’s energy and utilities industries!

As communities grapple with aging infrastructure and increasing demand for reliable utility services, Jackson College is positioning itself at the forefront of workforce development with comprehensive utility programs designed to meet critical industry needs.

IN DEMAND

According to the Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium, there will be a 40 percent demand for gas technicians, a 30 percent demand for line workers, and nearly a 20 percent projected need for engineers and electric technicians in Michigan through 2026. The growing need for improved infrastructure and clean energy solutions — particularly solar and wind projects in rural and remote areas — will require new technologies, skills, and training for electric line workers and construction/maintenance technicians.

“These are high-demand, essential careers that keep our communities running – literally,” said Jamie Vandenburgh, dean of Workforce, Technical and Professional Education.

“From powering homes and businesses to ensuring clean water and reliable Internet access, utility professionals are the backbone of modern infrastructure.

Jamie Vandenburgh
Dean of Workforce, Technical, and Professional Education

Building for Growth

To help meet these demands, construction continues on a new Applied Technology Center (ATC) on Central Campus, designed to house utilities, line workers, and new HVAC programs.

With the new Applied Technology Center (ATC) opening for students in January 2026, Jackson College is expanding its capacity to train the next generation of utilities professionals with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Developed in collaboration with key partners, the ATC will provide flexible and innovative spaces to support these programs. It will house three “bay” areas for programs, including one with a tall roof to allow for indoor utility poles.

There will also be an area outdoors for different types of utility work, from burying cables to driving a bucket truck.

plug into career opportunities

The energy industry offers over 100 diverse, high-demand, and well-paying career paths with job security. This sector is ideal for those seeking meaningful work that powers communities and shapes the future. (Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium) 

EXAMPLES OF CAREER PATHS INCLUDE:

• Construction and Utility Worker
• Contractors
• Customer Service Specialists
• Electricians
• Electric Power Line Installers and Repairers
• Engineers
• Environmental Specialists
• Gas System Operators and Technicians
• Health and Safety Specialists
• Information Technology Specialists
• Lawyers and Compliance Managers
• Marketing Specialists
• Meter Readers
• Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
• Power Distributors and Dispatchers 
• Power Plant Instrument and Control Technicians
• Quality Assurance & Quality Control Professionals
• Security Personnel
• Solar Energy Technicians
• Substation Mechanics and Relay Technicians
• Transmission System Operators
• Welders