Congratulations are in order for 61 Minnesota students who graduated on Friday, May 3 from the Xcel Energy PowerUp Program. They are the first graduate cohort to participate in the public and private partnership that prepares workers for in-demand career-path employment in fields related to energy and construction trades.
The 61 PowerUp Program graduates, trained by Building Strong Communities (BSC), are among 105 students who graduated from various BSC workforce training programs on Friday at North Hennepin Community College, BSC’s largest graduating class ever.
Xcel Energy and Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are working with seven community-based organizations to train and provide job placement for Minnesotans who are underrepresented in energy and construction trades-related fields.
"DEED is honored to partner with Xcel Energy, Building Strong Communities and community-based organizations around Minnesota to make the Xcel Energy PowerUp Program a success," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Partnering with employers, industry associations and unions is a great way to ensure we are preparing people with the right skills for in-demand jobs.”
Xcel Energy has invested $4 million in the Xcel Energy PowerUp Program with a goal of preparing 150 program participants to enter energy-related jobs or union apprenticeships by June 30, 2025.
“The PowerUp program is a reflection of Xcel Energy’s priorities and the communities we serve. As we lead the clean energy transition, we need a skilled workforce to build the new generation and transmission infrastructure that’s required to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity to our customers,” said Patricia Correa, Xcel Energy senior vice president and chief human resources officer.
“We thank DEED and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for helping to shape the PowerUp program,” added Correa. “We share the Commission’s goal to broaden participation in the energy transition, and believe a diverse workforce is a key element to deliver value in the way we conduct business, connect with our customers and build relationships in our communities.”
“This program changes lives,” said Building Strong Communities Executive Director Rick Martagon. “It provides people with the education and skills to make informed career choices that will benefit themselves and their families.”
Building Strong Communities serves as the provider of apprenticeship preparatory training for the Xcel Energy PowerUp Program and facilitates the direct placement of students into registered apprenticeships in construction trades.
Community-based organizations play a vital role in recruitment, workforce readiness and providing supportive services. This network includes Avivo, Career Solutions, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc., EMERGE Community Development, Native Sun Community Power Development and Summit Academy OIC.
For more information on the Xcel Energy PowerUp Program, visit mn.gov/deed/programs.