Careers: electrical lineworker, power plant operator, substation technician, solar panel installer, and wind turbine technician. Majors: Renewable Energy Technology, Electrical Technology, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Geology and Earth Sciences.
College majors for energy and utilities
Renewable Energy Technology
Prepares you to install, maintain and manage solar, wind and other clean energy systems.
Electrical Technology
Prepares you to install, maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems.
Electrical Engineering
Designs electrical systems, electronics, power and communications equipment.
Chemical Engineering
Designs processes that turn raw materials into fuels, chemicals, medicines and products.
Geology and Earth Sciences
Studies the Earth: rocks, water, soil, natural resources and natural hazards.
Careers in energy and utilities
Electrical Lineworker
Build and repair the power lines that deliver electricity, on poles, in buckets and underground.
- Typical training: 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Power Plant Operator
Run the turbines, boilers and controls that generate electricity.
- Typical training: 1–3+ years on the job
Substation Technician
Install, test and repair the equipment that controls high-voltage power.
- Typical training: 1–2 years + experience
Solar Panel Installer
Install and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems.
- Typical training: 1–6 months
Wind Turbine Technician
Climb, inspect, maintain and repair wind turbines that generate clean power.
- Typical training: 6–24 months
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Run the plants and systems that clean drinking water and treat wastewater.
- Typical training: Months to years (on the job + certification)
Chemical Equipment Operator
Run equipment that makes chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
- Typical training: Months on the job
Telecommunications Lineworker
Build and repair the cables and fiber that carry internet, TV and phone.
- Typical training: 1–3 years
Separating Machine Operator
Run filters, centrifuges and stills that separate materials.
- Typical training: Months on the job
Skills these careers use
- Pole climbing
- Sampling
- Bucket truck and digger derrick operation
- Rigging and conductor work
- Hot-stick and rubber-glove work methods
- Plant systems and thermodynamics basics
Minors that fit this interest
- Renewable Energy: Adds knowledge of solar, wind, storage and clean energy systems.
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what power plant operators do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: plant systems and thermodynamics basics, control system operation, and equipment rounds
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Energy and Utilities
A self-paced online course on what substation technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: electrical theory, relay testing, and breaker and transformer maintenance
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Energy and Utilities
A self-paced online course on what electrical lineworkers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: pole climbing, bucket truck and digger derrick operation, and rigging and conductor work
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Energy and Utilities
Energy and Utilities: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in energy and utilities?
Careers connected to energy and utilities include electrical lineworker, power plant operator, substation technician, solar panel installer, wind turbine technician, water treatment plant operator, chemical equipment operator, and telecommunications lineworker.
What should I major in if I am interested in energy and utilities?
Majors connected to energy and utilities include Renewable Energy Technology, Electrical Technology, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Geology and Earth Sciences. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What energy and utilities careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include electrical lineworker, power plant operator, substation technician, solar panel installer, wind turbine technician, and water treatment plant operator. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which energy and utilities careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include petroleum engineer, nuclear engineer, and mining engineer. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in energy and utilities?
Skills that come up often in these careers include pole climbing, sampling, bucket truck and digger derrick operation, rigging and conductor work, hot-stick and rubber-glove work methods, and plant systems and thermodynamics basics, along with communication and problem solving.
What minors fit an interest in energy and utilities?
Minors connected to energy and utilities include Renewable Energy.
How do I start a career in energy and utilities?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore energy and utilities careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in energy and utilities involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to energy and utilities?
Yes. Related online trainings include Power Plant Operator Training, Substation Technician Training, and Electrical Lineworker Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to energy and utilities?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.