energy career pathways assignment quizlet

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Start building our clean energy future with a career in the  Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy  (EERE). EERE offers opportunities across its  technology offices  and on its  operations team .

EERE is fighting the climate crisis by advancing President Biden’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through cutting-edge research that will bring clean energy technologies to communities all across America. But we need your help.

Below are various career maps to help you think about what your career can look like in clean energy, based on your education and experience.

Map a Career in Advanced Clean Energy Manufacturing

Use the  Advanced Manufacturing Career Map  to chart your career in advanced manufacturing! This interactive tool showcases some of the most exciting jobs in manufacturing across five key job categories and a variety of skill levels. These jobs are essential to the development and deployment of clean energy. Funded by the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office , the Map demonstrates the breadth of the advanced manufacturing industry, some of its critical occupations, and the multitude of advancement routes between jobs and sectors.  

Map a Career in Bioenergy

Discover career opportunities in the bioenergy industry! The “ Career Exploration Wheel ” graphically depicts how academic concentrations relate to bioenergy industry subsectors. The career map can be used by people of all stages or levels of academic and professional progression. Mouse over the wheel to explore how your academic background corresponds to bioenergy industry related careers in Communication, Education, & Outreach; Engineering & Manufacturing; Agriculture, Life, & Physical Sciences; Operations, Management, & Business; and Infrastructure.

Map a Career in Green Buildings

This recruiting tool funded by the Building Technologies Office offers job seekers hundreds of options to obtain and advance careers in the green-buildings industry. As part of a nationwide effort to recruit an energy-efficiency workforce focused on constructing, retrofitting, and maintaining healthy and energy-efficient buildings, BTO partnered with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and other industry groups to develop the  Green Buildings Career Map .

Map a Career in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

Mouse over the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Career Map  to explore hydrogen and fuel cells industry related jobs in Research and Development, Engineering, and Manufacturing; Operations and Management; and Communications, Training and Outreach. While the career map profiles many hydrogen and fuel cells careers, there may be occupations that are not included in this map but are important to the success of the hydrogen and fuel cells industry. The information presented within each occupational profile (i.e. position description, education, training, and other qualifications) was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,  Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition  and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s  Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families .

Map a Career in Hydropower

Although hydropower is one of the oldest forms of harnessing renewable energy, the hydropower industry is expanding, with new and exciting career opportunities surfacing every year. The Hydropower Career Map allows users to explore over 40 different job opportunities, providing potential employees with descriptions of the work, educational and training requirements, experience, and skills needed to research, develop, and demonstrate hydropower technologies. Discover your future career opportunities in hydropower.  

Map a Career in Marine Energy

The growing marine energy industry could play a critical role in in the evolving U.S. electrical grid by providing reliable and resilient energy harnessed from ocean currents, tides, and waves. The Marine Energy Career Map illustrates the industry’s expanding field, providing job descriptions and listing the recommended education and training for employment. The map shares details for over 40 roles that rely on a range of technical and nontechnical skills. In these roles, workers could research, develop, demonstrate, and successfully deploy marine energy technologies to support the nation’s grid and communities, particularly those along the coasts or on islands. Explore the map to discover what marine energy career opportunities might be in your future.

Map a Career in Solar

The Solar Career Map explores an expanding universe of solar-energy occupations, describing diverse jobs across the industry, charting possible progression between them, and identifying the sorts of credentials necessary to do them well. Use the Solar Career Map to explore 40 jobs across 4 industry sectors, and identify more than 60 routes to advancement. Additional opportunities for progress and promotion can be found within any given occupation on the map, and multisector pathways reinforce the idea of lifelong learning and the natural evolution of skills and interests.

Map a Career in Wind

This Wind Career Map explores an expanding universe of wind energy occupations, describing diverse jobs across the industry, charting possible progression between them, and identifying the high-quality training necessary to do them well. While the Wind Career Map endeavors to cover many of the careers in wind energy, there are many occupations in this industry that are not included in this map, but are integral to the success of the industry. Administration, Communications, and Safety, for example, as well as entry-level internships and apprenticeships are among the many wind energy jobs.

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Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities

Taught in English

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Instructors: Timothy Cochran +4 more

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What you'll learn

Develop foundational understanding of clean energy market segments (sustainability, green building, solar, wind, and nanotechnology)

Explain the fundamental principles of economic, social and environmental sustainability

Identify renewable energy career opportunities and corresponding educational pathways

Skills you'll gain

Wind energy.

• Solar power
• Green building design
• Renewable energy jobs

Details to know

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There are 8 modules in this course

This course prepares you to recognize the complexities and nuances of different renewable energy solutions, as well as relevant career opportunities (both technical occupations and roles not typically associated with clean energy). Learners are immersed in discussions about green energy technologies, the impact of sustainability on society, energy consumption in the United States and conservation. Topics include: tenets of green building design and construction, solar energy conversion through photovoltaic cells, wind turbine site selection and design, and nanotechnology applications in clean energy. It references educational opportunities from the State University of New York (SUNY) system that correlate with each clean energy market segment.

The course is suitable for anyone interested in entering the renewable energy field, whether fresh to the workforce or switching industries. Material encompasses online lectures, videos, demos, readings and discussions. Learners will create a career roadmap, whereby they define a job that interests them, conduct a gap assessment to determine additional education/training/skills they need, and document a pathway to their ideal renewable energy career.

What's included

3 readings • total 55 minutes.

• Welcome Message and Course Overview • 3 minutes
• Acknowledgements • 2 minutes
• Career Exploration Activity: Create Your Pathway • 50 minutes

Clean Energy 101

This module provides a foundation for the course, covering energy consumption and conservation, the importance of renewable energy, and pathways to careers in renewable energy.

11 videos 5 readings 2 quizzes 1 discussion prompt

11 videos • Total 61 minutes

• Intro to Clean Energy 101 • 3 minutes • Preview module
• Conservation and Sustainability • 4 minutes
• Forms of Renewable Energy • 1 minute
• The Importance of Renewable Energy • 4 minutes
• Energy Basics • 10 minutes
• Energy Consumption and Conservation • 9 minutes
• Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources • 9 minutes
• Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers • 4 minutes
• Program Spotlight: Renewable Energy Education and Training at SUNY Farmingdale • 3 minutes
• Program Spotlight: Columbia Technology Ventures • 4 minutes
• Optional: Renewable Energy Career Advice from Timothy Hoffman • 6 minutes

5 readings • Total 130 minutes

• International Renewable Energy Career Exploration Resources • 30 minutes
• The Department of Energy Explains Renewable Energy • 10 minutes
• Renewable Energy Fundamentals Resources • 50 minutes
• EDF and the UN Define Renewable Energy • 10 minutes
• Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers Resources • 30 minutes

2 quizzes • Total 45 minutes

• Career Exploration Activity: O*Net • 15 minutes
• Clean Energy 101 Graded Quiz • 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt • Total 10 minutes

• What are your goals? • 10 minutes

Sustainability

Learners will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of sustainability, why sustainability matters, and career opportunities in the field.

7 videos 2 readings 2 quizzes 1 discussion prompt

7 videos • Total 18 minutes

• Introduction to Sustainability • 3 minutes • Preview module
• Sustainability Overview • 2 minutes
• Environment • 2 minutes
• Economics • 2 minutes
• Equity • 2 minutes
• Measuring Sustainability • 2 minutes
• Pathways to Careers in Sustainability • 1 minute

2 readings • Total 70 minutes

• Federal and State Climate Action Plan • 10 minutes
• Sustainability Resources • 60 minutes

2 quizzes • Total 40 minutes

• Career Exploration Activity: SMART Goals • 10 minutes
• Sustainability Graded Quiz • 30 minutes
• Sustainability Principles • 10 minutes

Green Building

Learners will develop an understanding of the value of green buildings, fundamental green building principles, and common rating systems.

5 videos 5 readings 2 quizzes 1 discussion prompt

5 videos • Total 21 minutes

• Introduction to Green Building • 5 minutes • Preview module
• The Societal Need for Green Buildings • 2 minutes
• History and Purpose of Green Buildings • 3 minutes
• Green Building Rating Systems • 5 minutes
• Green Building Careers • 4 minutes

5 readings • Total 140 minutes

• Total Cost of Ownership • 10 minutes
• History and Purpose of Green Buildings Resources • 50 minutes
• Green Building Rating System Resources • 50 minutes
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Discusses Green Buildings • 10 minutes
• Green Building Career Resources • 20 minutes
• Career Exploration Activity: Map a Career Utilizing U.S. Department of Energy Resources • 10 minutes
• Green Building Graded Quiz • 30 minutes
• Green Building Career Options- What interests you? • 10 minutes

Solar Energy

Learners will consider the benefits and limitations of solar energy, and gain an understanding of solar energy careers and educational opportunities.

15 videos 4 readings 2 quizzes 1 discussion prompt

15 videos • Total 85 minutes

• Introduction to Solar Energy • 4 minutes • Preview module
• Solar Industry History • 5 minutes
• The Value of Solar • 7 minutes
• How PV Works • 2 minutes
• Solar Electric System Anatomy • 2 minutes
• Solar Radiation • 5 minutes
• Orienting to the Sun • 4 minutes
• Photovoltaic Cells and PN Junctions • 6 minutes
• Photovoltaics • 6 minutes
• PV Systems • 5 minutes
• Solar Energy Careers • 2 minutes
• Spotlight on SUNY: Pathways to Solar Energy Careers • 5 minutes
• Solar Energy Career Considerations: Gay Canough, Installation Company Owner • 12 minutes
• Solar Energy Career Considerations: Dylan Pulaski, Installer • 5 minutes
• Solar Energy Career Considerations: John Easoz, Consultant • 7 minutes

4 readings • Total 110 minutes

• Monocrystalline Vs. Polycrystalline solar panels: A Clear and Simple Comparison • 10 minutes
• Solar Energy Resources • 40 minutes
• The Department of Energy Shares the Basics of Photovoltaic Cells • 10 minutes
• Technical Lesson Notes - Formulas and Calculations for Optional Technical Quiz • 50 minutes

2 quizzes • Total 60 minutes

• Optional Technical Quiz • 30 minutes
• Solar Energy Graded Quiz • 30 minutes
• Solar Energy • 10 minutes

Learners will review the history of wind energy, consider wind as a fluid, explore turbine design and siting, and gain an understanding of wind power careers and educational pathways.

11 videos 6 readings 6 quizzes 1 discussion prompt

11 videos • Total 80 minutes

• Offshore Wind - Program Overview • 9 minutes • Preview module
• History of Wind Power • 3 minutes
• Introduction to Offshore Wind • 7 minutes
• Wind as a Fluid • 5 minutes
• Reviewing Major Components of Nacelle Trainer • 5 minutes
• Turbine Design • 6 minutes
• Hands on Demonstration - Mechanical Drives Systems Trainer • 8 minutes
• Siting Wind Turbines • 7 minutes
• The Offshore Wind Supply Chain • 3 minutes
• O&M and Training in Offshore Wind • 6 minutes
• Wind Energy Careers: Expert Interview with Jessica Fischer • 14 minutes

6 readings • Total 100 minutes

• Wind Energy Resources • 50 minutes
• Turbine Design Resources • 10 minutes
• U.S. Offshore Wind Project Locations • 10 minutes
• Supply Chain Resources • 10 minutes
• O&M and Training Resources • 10 minutes
• Resources to Support Careers in the Wind Industry • 10 minutes

6 quizzes • Total 160 minutes

• Wind Power Fundamentals Optional Quiz • 30 minutes
• Turbine Design and Siting Optional Quiz • 30 minutes
• Offshore Wind Supply Chain and O&M Optional Quiz • 30 minutes
• Career Exploration Activity: U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration • 10 minutes
• Wind Energy Summative Graded Quiz • 30 minutes
• Wind Energy Graded Quiz • 30 minutes
• Wind Energy Pros and Cons • 10 minutes

Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy

Learners will be introduced to nanotechnology and its applications in renewable energy. Careers and educational pathways will also be explored.

6 videos 3 readings 1 quiz 1 discussion prompt

6 videos • Total 39 minutes

• What is Nanotechnology? • 8 minutes • Preview module
• Working in Nanotech • 6 minutes
• Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Systems • 3 minutes
• Solar Cell Manufacturing • 11 minutes
• Nanotechnology Education in New York State • 1 minute
• Program Spotlight: Nanotechnology at SUNY Erie Community College • 9 minutes

3 readings • Total 70 minutes

• Nanotech Resources • 30 minutes
• Photovoltaic Cells Generating Electricity • 10 minutes
• Nanotech for Solar Energy • 30 minutes

1 quiz • Total 30 minutes

• Nanotech Graded Quiz • 30 minutes
• Nanotech Applications • 10 minutes

Final Project: Exploring Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers

Using the resources provided throughout the course, you will hone in on a renewable energy career of interest. By assessing your current background and reviewing the requirements for the desired position, you will conduct a gap analysis and be able to describe the education and training needed to enter your ideal renewable energy career. This culminating project leaves learners with a roadmap to a renewable energy career.

10 readings 1 quiz 1 peer review

10 readings • Total 120 minutes

• Step 1: Project Ideation • 10 minutes
• Step 2: Narrow and Title Your Project • 20 minutes
• Step 3: Project Objectives • 10 minutes
• Step 4: SWOT Assessment • 20 minutes
• Step 5: You and Your Future Goal • 10 minutes
• Step 6: Self-marketing Tool • 10 minutes
• Step 7: Create an Elevator Pitch • 10 minutes
• Step 8: Safeguard Your Online Image • 10 minutes
• Step 9: Identify a Mentor • 10 minutes
• Step 10: Grow Your Network • 10 minutes
• Project: Exploring Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers Evaluation • 30 minutes

1 peer review • Total 45 minutes

• Final Project: Exploring Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers • 45 minutes

The University at Buffalo (UB) is a premier, research-intensive public university and the largest, most comprehensive institution of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. UB offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and nearly 300 graduate and professional programs.

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180 reviews

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2023

This course has great data from the beginner to intermediate of Wind/Solar/Nano renewable energy and green building. totally worth it

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2023

Great course for rudimental exposition to renewable energy and sustainability. This course has been pivotal in helping to find the right path in my Renewable Energy career.

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2022

I am very grateful to be here. I earn many knowledges & and info that I need to level up in my career path. I hope I can make this useful in real world. Thank you for the course!

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Energy Career Clusters

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Have you considered an energy career?

Which energy career is right for you? There are options in four broad areas, covering a variety of skill and education levels.

Engineering Careers

An engineer is someone who likes to solve problems. They can help make the nation's electricity usage more efficient and more reliant on clean fuels. Now that's a real difference!

Architects Plan and design structures like homes, offices, theaters, factories, and other buildings.

Civil Engineers Use engineering to plan and design construction projects, like roads, bridges, airports, water and sewage systems, and other facilities.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians Work under the direction of engineers. Design, build, or repair electrical equipment, like circuitry or components. Some electrical and electronic engineering technicians work for power companies that generate and transmit electricity. As companies look for ways of reducing utilities costs, new employment opportunities may arise for engineering technicians who can recommend solutions for improving production efficiency.

Electrical Engineers Use engineering to research, design, develop, or test electrical equipment and systems. May oversee the manufacturing or installation of systems. Talents may be applied to connecting wind farms and solar panels to the grid. Career specialties include energy engineers and photo-voltaic (solar cell) systems engineers. Opportunities may arise for power electronics engineers who can work on design, application, and quality testing in wind turbine manufacturing firms.

Electronics Engineers Use engineering to research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, military, or scientific use. May design electronic circuits for things like telecommunications or aerospace controls.

Industrial Engineering Technicians Work under the direction of industrial engineers to design processes to make better use of resources at work sites. Design the layout of an industrial or manufacturing workplace to make production more efficient.

Mechanical Engineers Use engineering principles to design tools, engines, and other mechanical equipment. Oversee installation, operation, and equipment repairs. Can identify efficiency opportunities in commercial and industrial facilities and calculate estimates of savings. Some can also specialize in wind turbines.

Nuclear Engineers Conduct research on nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal. They work on problems related to how nuclear energy is used, and how to dispose of nuclear waste.

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Run or maintain equipment that provides utilities to building such as power plants, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings. May operate stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment. They operate equipment like steam engines, generators, motors, and turbines.

Installation and Repair Careers

Installers and repairers are essential to the energy industry. They install, inspect, test, and repair electrical or mechanical equipment.

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers Install, repair, and maintain devices that regulate processes in buildings. This includes things such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, and safety valves.

Electrical and Electronics Repairers of Commercial and Industrial Equipment Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment such as industrial controls, transmitters, or antennas.

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers Install and fix cables and wires that are used in electrical power or distribution systems. May put up poles and transmission towers, identify and fix defects.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Work on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in home and office buildings. May repair or install HVAC equipment. As demand for energy-efficient equipment grows, HVAC mechanics can become involved in the installation and maintenance of small scale renewable technologies.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics Repair, install, or adjust manufacturing equipment. May take machinery apart when there is a problem and repair or replace broken equipment. As demand for energy increases, new employment opportunities can arise for machinery mechanics that can repair, install, or maintain wind farms and pipeline distribution systems.

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Helpers Assist maintenance workers with installation, maintenance, and repair work. May supply tools or clean work areas. Some workers may be employed in the energy industry in maintaining and repairing plumbing, heating, or residential and commercial electrical systems to make use of solar-derived hot water.

Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electrical and Electronics Repairers Inspect and maintain electrical equipment in power generating stations, substations, and in-service relays. This occupation can be involved in solar installation and maintenance.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers Install and maintain solar photovoltaic systems on roofs which convert energy from the sun into electricity for homes and businesses. PV Power Systems engineers drive the development and implementation of highly efficient grid-connected systems for Concentrated PV technologies. Electrical Engineers can be LEED-certified and work on sustainable projects or with an architectural firm.

Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Directly supervise the activities of workers who maintain or repair various machines, equipment, vehicles, or buildings. May be employed in electrical generation facilities to coordinate the activities of inspectors, machine setters and operators, and plant operators. They may also work in the energy industry to coordinate the activities of power-line installers, mechanics, electricians, solar panel installers, and others.

Wind Turbine Service Technicians Inspect, adjust, or repair wind turbines. They may correct electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic problems.

Production Careers

Production workers in energy are mostly employed in power plants, often combining the duties of operators and technicians. Due to their high technical skills and union contracts, these workers can earn double the salary of what their counterparts in other industries earn.

Chemical Equipment Operators Operate equipment to control chemical changes or reactions during a production process. May work on devulcanizers, steam-jacket kettles, or reactor vessels.

Chemical Plant and System Operators Operate systems of machines that control entire chemical processes.

Gas Plant Operators Distribute or process gas for utility companies by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on gas pipelines.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Operate or control nuclear reactors. May start and stop equipment, monitor controls, and record data. Use emergency procedures when necessary.

Petroleum Pump System and Refinery Operators Operate systems that refine petroleum. May specialize in certain types of systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.

Power Distributors and Dispatchers Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Power Plant Operators Operate machinery to generate electric power. Monitor power plant equipment to watch for problems. Adjust controls to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.

Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers employed in production plants. Oversee inspectors, precision workers, machine setters, fabricators, and plant and system operators.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Weld or join metal pieces together using hand-welding, flame-cutting, or brazing tools. May fill holes, dents, or seams of fabricated metal products. May be employed in the construction of gas pipelines, new power plants, and maintenance of existing facilities.

Construction Careers

Since saving energy is as important as generating energy from scratch, all careers involved in energy-efficient construction and building operations belong to the energy sector. Some construction workers, like plumbers and pipelayers, can be employed in utilities as well as in commercial and residential building retrofitting.

Construction and Building Inspectors Inspect structures to make sure that building codes are met through all phases of construction. Use engineering skills to confirm buildings are structurally sound. May look at a whole building or review a specific area, such as a building's electrical system. May be employed as home energy auditors to inspect homes or commercial buildings to identify conditions that cause energy waste and suggest actions to reduce waste.

Construction Managers Plan, direct, and oversee the work of people who are building and maintaining structures. Manage scheduling, budgeting, and organization of the work. Assure the work is completed on time and within budget. A specialization in green construction techniques can expand opportunities to building projects that are registered as environmentally sustainable.

Electricians Install and repair electrical wiring in homes and businesses. Assure that work is in compliance with various codes. May install street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or more types of power construction equipment. Professionals work either on site (in nuclear power plants) or in a research institution to experiment with new ways of producing and using nuclear energy.

Pipelayers Lay pipe for sewers, drains, and water mains. May level out trenches, position the pipe, or seal pipe joints.

Plumbers Work with pipelines that carry water, air, or other liquids or gases. Workers may be involved in the construction of gas pipelines or in redesigning plumbing systems to make sure of solar-derived hot water.

Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers Directly supervise the activities of construction or extraction workers.

All Careers in Energy

View all careers in energy, other resources on the web.

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• Career Resources

United States Energy & Employment Report

The United States Energy and Employment Report (USEER) captures employment, workforce, industry, occupation, unionization, demographic, and hiring information by energy industry technology groups. These groups represent the fields of electric power generation; transmission, distribution, and storage; fuels; energy efficiency; and motor vehicles and component parts.

View the  United States Energy and Employment Report (USEER) Fact Sheet .

Renewable Energy Career Maps

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the U.S. Department of Energy have developed and funded Renewable Energy Career Maps that explore a diverse range of occupations in the solar energy, climate control technology, bioenergy, green buildings, and wind energy fields. These Career Maps describe clean and renewable energy occupations, chart possible progressions, and identify the necessary credentials for each job.

SOLAR CAREER MAP

CLIMATE CONTROL CAREER MAP

BIOENERGY CAREER MAP

WIND CAREER MAP

GREEN BUILDINGS CAREER MAP

Clean Energy Careers Video Series

In 2021, Xcel Energy and WPPI Energy collaborated with Slipstream to create educational videos in support of local schools and to encourage young minds to consider career opportunities within the energy sector — especially in the clean energy space.

To help generate awareness and develop lesson plans, Slipstream partnered with the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) and the Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA).

Together, more than 80,000 high school students will have access to these videos and gain a greater understanding of career opportunities in the clean energy sector through a Virtual Career Symposium.

Careers highlighted in the videos include electric superintendents, lineworkers, installation workers for renewable energy projects, building operators, solar technicians, policymakers, and more.

Slipstream ‘s goal is to get students motivated to explore careers that advance the future of how energy is generated, managed, and utilized in the built environment.

The target audience for this series was high school students and teachers.

Wisconsin Clean Energy Careers Overview: Leading the Way with Policy

Solar Energy Careers

Utility Careers Featuring an Electric Superintendent and a Lineworker

Exploring the Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Electric Power Distribution Program

Facility Operations Clean Energy Careers in Healthcare

Home Performance Consultants and Energy Auditors

Clean Energy Careers in Hydropower

Accelerating Careers in Electric Vehicles

Additional information, student activities and lessons for each video are available on Slipstream – Clean Energy Careers .

Renewable Energy Careers

For more information on careers in clean & renewable energy, visit our webinar, "career mapping, a powerful tool.".

To access additional Renewable Energy Education Resources, visit our Resources page.

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Copyright @ 2024 Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant #2201631. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National ScienceFoundation.

Trade Career Pathways

Explore career pathways in energy trades.

There are hundreds of types of jobs in the energy industry, each offering a wide-array of career path possibilities. In fact, career advancement opportunities are a huge benefit of working in the energy sector. Because the industry is highly technical and complex, those who demonstrate aptitude and are motivated by continuous learning are generally rewarded with next-step opportunities. Where you start your career has little to do with where it can end!

Technical thinkers looking start their career journey in energy, should consider employment in the technical trades. You can hire into entry level positions and learn the knowledge and skills to progress in responsibility. If you want to work with your hands, like to understand how things work, like being outdoors, and work well under pressure, consider a position in one of the industry’s in-demand technical trade roles.  Whether you become employed by an energy company or one of the many contractors that actively support our industry, there are tremendous employment opportunities!

To better understand how your career can progress in these positions, including for those with little to know energy experience, check out the career pathway information below to see how exploration turns into experience, helping jobs turn into careers.

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6.3: Energy and Metabolism - Metabolic Pathways

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Learning Objectives

• Describe the two major types of metabolic pathways

Metabolic Pathways

The processes of making and breaking down carbohydrate molecules illustrate two types of metabolic pathways. A metabolic pathway is a step-by-step series of interconnected biochemical reactions that convert a substrate molecule or molecules through a series of metabolic intermediates, eventually yielding a final product or products. For example, one metabolic pathway for carbohydrates breaks large molecules down into glucose. Another metabolic pathway might build glucose into large carbohydrate molecules for storage. The first of these processes requires energy and is referred to as anabolic. The second process produces energy and is referred to as catabolic. Consequently, metabolism is composed of these two opposite pathways:

• Anabolism (building molecules)
• Catabolism (breaking down molecules)

Anabolic Pathways

Anabolic pathways require an input of energy to synthesize complex molecules from simpler ones. One example of an anabolic pathway is the synthesis of sugar from CO 2 . Other examples include the synthesis of large proteins from amino acid building blocks and the synthesis of new DNA strands from nucleic acid building blocks. These processes are critical to the life of the cell, take place constantly, and demand energy provided by ATP and other high-energy molecules like NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADPH.

Catabolic Pathways

Catabolic pathways involve the degradation of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing the chemical energy stored in the bonds of those molecules. Some catabolic pathways can capture that energy to produce ATP, the molecule used to power all cellular processes. Other energy-storing molecules, such as lipids, are also broken down through similar catabolic reactions to release energy and make ATP.

Importance of Enzymes

Chemical reactions in metabolic pathways rarely take place spontaneously. Each reaction step is facilitated, or catalyzed, by a protein called an enzyme. Enzymes are important for catalyzing all types of biological reactions: those that require energy as well as those that release energy.

• A metabolic pathway is a series of chemical reactions in a cell that build and breakdown molecules for cellular processes.
• Anabolic pathways synthesize molecules and require energy.
• Catabolic pathways break down molecules and produce energy.
• Because almost all metabolic reactions take place non-spontaneously, proteins called enzymes help facilitate those chemical reactions.
• catabolism : destructive metabolism, usually including the release of energy and breakdown of materials
• enzyme : a globular protein that catalyses a biological chemical reaction
• anabolism : the constructive metabolism of the body, as distinguished from catabolism