WASHINGTON (October 20, 2025) — The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today released a new episode of its Electric Perspectives podcast featuring FirstEnergy Pennsylvania President John Hawkins and Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) Executive Director Missy Henriksen. In this conversation hosted by EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney, the industry leaders discussed the electric power industry’s workforce development priorities, new apprenticeship partnerships and training programs, and how EEI’s member companies are preparing the next generation of skilled energy workers.

In the episode, Hawkins and Henriksen reflected on:

• Investing in a skilled and ready workforce: “Our communities rely on a resilient and reliable grid, so we have to have a workforce that has advanced skills and expertise to deliver on those expectations,” said Hawkins. “We’re investing $28 billion across our footprint through 2029… $15 billion [in Pennsylvania alone] in infrastructure enhancements, people, processes, and facilities—and the key word there is people.”
• Fostering strong partnerships: “One of the keys to making [FirstEnergy’s new apprenticeship program] possible is the partnerships, and one of the most important partnerships—and one of our most important stakeholders—is our union partners,” said Hawkins. “These aren’t just jobs, these are careers, and we felt [success] wouldn’t have been possible without our union partners.”
• Preparing for the future: “We’re really seeing employers looking at their hiring practices with a great deal of innovation,” said Henriksen. “It’s no longer, ‘Hey HR, we need to hire some people,’ but it’s an increasing commitment to the long game and attracting talent. We’re seeing companies work together more closely in these efforts so that a rising tide will lift all boats.”
• Celebrating Careers in Energy Week: “There are lots of things CEWD is excited about,” said Henriksen. “We will have new research coming out on the public’s understanding of energy careers and we will be holding a virtual Energy Works forum that will showcase energy careers to hundreds of students and career seekers.”

Click here to listen to the full interview, and explore our latest episodes below:

• Duke Energy’s Commitment to Affordability and Reliability — featuring Duke Energy President and CEO Harry Sideris 
• Driving Energy Policy Discussions in Washington — featuring EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney
• Meeting Demand With Flexible Generation — featuring Andrew Phillips, business development manager at Wärtsilä, and Dylan Bearce, senior director of energy resources operations at Tucson Electric Power
• Delivering a Reliable, Secure, Affordable Energy Future — featuring Pepco Holdings President and CEO Tyler Anthony

The Electric Perspectives podcast discusses the latest trends and issues shaping the electric power industry. Each episode features an interview with guests including leaders from EEI and our member companies, government and industry partners, and energy thought leaders and experts. Click here to listen to more episodes and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.