Finding a good-paying, stable job that won’t leave the country tops the priority list for many Americans in these difficult economic times. But for those just graduating from high school or college, it seems harder than ever.
Yet high-paying jobs are available right here in New Mexico and across the United States.
Careers in energy, including jobs as linemen, power plant operators and engineers, are often overlooked by today’s youths. Gov. Susana Martinez has therefore declared Oct. 14-20 Careers in Energy Week in New Mexico to focus attention upon the need for a new generation of skilled energy workers to take the place of our aging workforce.
These jobs, however, require a solid grounding in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) courses.
The energy industry needs students who know how to solve real-world math problems, who understand how things work, and who can use technology to communicate and perform their jobs efficiently.
STEM jobs are not just for scientists. They are not just for physicists and engineers.
Today’s skilled workforce needs STEM-literate youth to measure, cut and lay pipeline, to install smart meters and to run power stations, among other important tasks.