The hidden crisis slowing the grid buildout? Energy's workforce shortage

As the future of energy accelerates towards a cleaner, more automated system, the talking points tend to focus on the technologies themselves: AI, EVs, batteries, renewables, and the T&D meant to connect them all. But behind every new technology deployed is an entire workforce to design, manufacture, install, and maintain it. As these technologies expand and new ones come into the fold, a critical question arises: will the industry have enough skilled workers to build the electric future being envisioned? To get to the bottom of this, host Kinsey Grant Baker is joined by Patrick Hughes, Senior Vice President at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), to discuss the workforce challenges and opportunities emerging across the electrical manufacturing and grid infrastructure ecosystem. The conversation explores how the grid is evolving—from rapid electrification and digitalization to new infrastructure demands—and what those shifts mean for the people responsible for building and maintaining the system. Hughes dives into how industry and policymakers are working together to close the workforce gap, including efforts such as the Veterans Energy Transition Act and a focus on how emerging technologies like AI and robotics are reshaping the skills needed in tomorrow’s grid workforce. Listen in to get a forward-looking view of how the industry can attract, train, and retain the talent needed to power the next generation of energy innovation. Links Mentioned in the Conversation: NEMA's 2025 "Grid Reliability Study" (https://www.makeitelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/grid-reliability-study-nema-deck.pdf) NEMA's 2026 Electroindustry Policy Agenda (https://www.makeitelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/Documents/Site_Pages/nema2026-policy-agenda.pdf) Powering Domestic Manufacturing (https://www.makeitelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/Documents/News_Blogs/electroindustry-investment-mapping-infographics.pdf) NEMA Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Build a Future-Ready Workforce (https://www.makeitelectric.org/newsroom/news/statement-nema-applauds-introduction-of-legislation-to-build-a-future-ready-workforce/) Siemens Educates America (https://www.siemens.com/en-us/content/siemens-educates-america/) Southwire Welcomes First Class to Maintenance Apprenticeship Program (https://www.ewweb.com/news/bulletin-board/article/20923002/southwire-welcomes-first-class-to-maintenance-apprenticeship-program) Signup for the Energy Central Daily Newsletter: https://energycentral.beehiiv.com/subscribe