What comes to mind when you think about utility companies? For many people around the country, images of coal-fired power plants and tall wooden poles strung with long wires might be top of mind. What likely doesn’t come to mind is advanced technology, like artificial intelligence (AI).

However, it’s technologies like AI that are top of mind for many leaders in the energy and public utility sectors. Why? The data centers being built to expand the powers and capabilities of AI use tremendous amounts of power that threaten to undermine the security and stability of already-overburdened electrical grids in many areas.

Those tasked with ensuring the future of our energy supply must adjust their focus and priorities to align with the changes being wrought by new technologies like AI. For example, in an article in The Dallas Morning News, author Lana Ferguson notes that energy giant Schneider Electric recently announced “plans to invest more than $700 million in its U.S. operations through 2027.”

This huge investment will “support the country’s focus on bolstering the nation’s energy infrastructure to power AI growth, boost domestic manufacturing, and strengthen energy security.” Specifically, “[t]he money will go toward manufacturing expansions and creating more than 1,000 new jobs, with roles such as next-generation manufacturing professionals, engineers, developers and technical analysts.”

Schneider Electric expects its investment to “bolster ‘smart factory transformation’ across several states that include Texas, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Missouri.” Officials are hopeful that other key players will follow suit with their own investments.

According to Aamir Paul, president of North America Operations for Schneider Electric, “[w]e stand at an inflection point for the technology and industrial sectors in the U.S., driven by incredible AI growth and unprecedented energy demand. To lead the transformation ahead, we must be agile and act now to advance ambitious digitalization and efficiency goals to make an impact for generations to come.”

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons lauded these plans: “Schneider Electric’s significant investment is a clear sign that manufacturing in America is moving forward — driving economic growth, innovation and job creation across the country. By expanding their operations with a focus on energy security, automation and AI, Schneider Electric is not only strengthening America’s competitiveness but also creating new opportunities and powering our nation’s future.”

As energy giants like Schneider Electric invest and expand, there’s one challenge they’re sure to encounter immediately: a shortage of highly skilled workers with advanced electrical and automation skills. How do companies and schools train the next generation of professionals with the electrical skills they need to succeed in the modern workplace?Top of Form

Bottom of Form A thorough review of training systems is a great place to start. Do employees and students have access to hands-on training with actual components they’ll encounter on the job? If not, partnering with established companies to provide industrial-quality training systems that will stand the test of time will help ensure a competent workforce. Be sure to check out DAC Worldwide’s variety of hands-on electrical training systems that feature the real-world components workers will encounter in the field!