Powering Xcel Energy’s Grid Modernization with a Diverse Workforce

Challenge

As Xcel Energy transitions from coal to solar power, it faces the significant challenge of building a skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Ensuring that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including indigenous populations and GED learners, have access to these emerging opportunities is crucial for both the company’s success and the broader effort to create an inclusive energy sector.

Solution

In collaboration with Xcel Energy, Native Sun and Minnesota’s Department ofEmployment and Economic Development, Julius introduced the Power Up TalentNavigator as part of its broader Clean Energy Career Navigator Program. This initiative was specifically designed to support Xcel’s goal of developing a robust talent pipeline in Minnesota, with a focus on tribal communities.

The program provided participants with a comprehensive orientation to the clean energy sector, offering technical training tailored to local employers' needs and direct job placement assistance. Through an immersive and accessible approach, Julius demystified energy-related career pathways and equipped participants with the job readiness and durable skills and industry credentials necessary to thrive in solar energy roles. The program’s effectiveness was highlighted by participant feedback, noting that the training offered more valuable insights and was more accessible than traditional classroom-based programs.

Impact

The Power Up Talent Navigator initiative has significantly bolstered Xcel Energy’s workforce, particularly within tribal communities, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition are shared equitably. Julius’s career navigation, industry orientation training, and career coaching has not only enhanced participant readiness but also increased retention and long-term success in clean energy careers. This collaborative effort showcases Julius’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the workforce, ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth of the clean energy sector.