Curious what's driving demand for skilled trades in the energy sector—and who's hiring? In this episode of Hire PowHER!, host Concetta Defa is joined by expert Stephanie Krabbe, Energy Industry Executive & Consultant, for a deep dive into the ever-evolving energy industry. They unpack:

• Why aging infrastructure, clean energy transitions, and growing technology needs mean new opportunities in skilled trades

• How retirements and workforce turnover are reshaping energy careers—and why it's urgent to start now

• What it really takes to succeed in roles like line construction or equipment operation

• The impact of AI on the future of energy jobs (hint: skilled trades are more important than ever!)

• Insights on apprenticeships, training programs, and how to explore career pathways—even if you're switching fields

If you're exploring opportunities for women in energy, seeking a secure future, or wondering if skilled trades are right for you, this episode is packed with answers and inspiration.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/o354UTz4pFY

Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PJWXVPiHROE

🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on energy careers, apprenticeships, and how women are shaping the trades!

⚡For more conversations about energy careers, skilled trades, and opportunities for women in the industry, visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Understanding the workforce opportunities and demand in skilled trades within the energy industry" from October 7, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Curious about careers in the energy industry? In this episode, host Concetta Defa and guest Stephanie Krabbe, Energy Industry Executive & Consultant, break down the broad range of skilled trades and workforce opportunities available, especially from the contractor perspective.

• What defines the energy industry and the various sectors within it

• The critical role contractors play, alongside utilities, in building and maintaining infrastructure

• Skilled trades in demand—including electricians, line workers, equipment operators, pipefitters, welders, and more

• Career pathways, including earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships and advancement into management, safety, and quality roles

• How the industry's workforce needs are driving competition and creating new opportunities for those seeking a hands-on, rewarding career
  
  

🔔Subscribe and stay tuned for part two as the Power Hour continues to explore energy industry careers with Stephanie Krabbe!

⚡For more conversations about energy careers, skilled trades, and opportunities for women in the industry, visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Understanding the workforce opportunities and demand in skilled trades within the energy industry" from October 7, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Curious about what a career in the energy industry really looks like for women? In this episode of Hire PowHER, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa continues the conversation with guests Shannon Skinner, Lechana Rankins, and Michelle Gianelli. Together, they share the realities of working in the trades—the benefits, the challenges, and the support systems that make a difference.

You'll hear how jobs in the energy sector have helped women build solid foundations for themselves and their families, offering strong wages and life-changing benefits. The discussion explores how workplace safety has evolved, with better PPE and training tailored to women in the field, and the role that coworkers, unions, and mentors play in shaping inclusive and supportive career paths.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fSFlH35M--I

👉 If you're looking for an honest look at energy careers, advice on breaking into the field, or inspiration from women who are reshaping the trades, this conversation is for you. Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about energy careers, skilled trades, and opportunities for women in the industry.

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Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Energy Career Conversations: What did we get into?" from September 23, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Curious about careers in the energy industry? Welcome to Hire PowHER—a new series introducing women to the skilled trades that power our world.

In this first episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa sits down with energy professionals Michelle Gianelli, Operating Engineers, Lechana Rankins, LIUNA, and Shannon Skinner, IBEW to share their career journeys and insights into the trades.

Here's what the conversation covers in this first episode:

• What skilled trades are and how apprenticeships work in the energy sector
• Real stories from women working in electrical work, line work, heavy equipment operation, and labor
• A "day in the life" look at energy careers—from job sites to nuclear plants
• How teamwork powers the industry
• The importance of mentorship and finding the right career fit

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e0j2-zi3dik

👉 If you're exploring career options in the energy industry—or want to hear inspiring stories from women building powerful futures—this episode is for you! Come back for part two to hear more from these women and visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about energy careers, skilled trades, and opportunities for women in the industry.

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Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Energy Career Conversations: What did we get into?" from September 23, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com

Coming soon!