More than 200 people attended the second annual Energy & Infrastructure Open House and Union Apprenticeship Awareness Day at Stony Brook University’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) on August 12. The event was organized by the university’s Office for Research and Innovation in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Participants included energy developers, utility companies, government agencies, trade unions, students, and job seekers. Representatives from organizations such as the New York State Department of Public Service, National Grid, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), EmPower Solar, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, offshore wind developers Ørsted, Vineyard Offshore, Equinor, and local building trades unions were present to discuss career paths in clean energy.
Attendees engaged with interactive displays and virtual reality experiences aimed at raising awareness about opportunities in New York’s transition to clean energy. Networking sessions provided students and job seekers a chance to connect directly with employers.
Kevin Gardner, vice president for research and innovation at Stony Brook University, said: “This is just one more example of how Stony Brook is a key economic development partner for Long Island and for the state. Whether it’s workforce training, awareness programs, or research that makes businesses more competitive, our message is: we are your partner, come work with us.”
The open house also coincided with week six of Stony Brook’s “Summer Youth Employment Program: A Taste of the Trades,” a paid seven-week initiative introducing high school students from underserved communities to careers in clean energy production and infrastructure development.
Jannat Majid, a Bellport High School graduate who participated in last year’s program and returned this summer as an intern at Haugland Group after making connections during her initial experience, said: “I learned so much through my internship with the Haugland Group about government structure, renewable energy, and even technical details like how the duct bank works. Taste of the Trades gave me my first professional experience and prepared me to step into this role. My advice to other students is, don’t be afraid. This is your future, and it’s worth it to make that initial connection.”
Selman Kurtoglu from Haugland Group stressed early engagement with students about skills needed in their field: “We believe in filling the pipeline and creating awareness at an early age so we can address the skills gap in our industry. Jannat has been phenomenal, and it’s exciting to see her start her career path before even beginning college. We need to come together — companies, unions, educators — to support the next generation. If we don’t do that, no one else will.”
Derek O’Connor from Stony Brook University coordinated the event as part of broader efforts to prepare students for employment opportunities linked to New York’s expanding renewable energy sector.
Stony Brook senior Jaiden Francis noted that meeting employers at the event offered insight into potential jobs within renewable energy fields: “Talking to companies working in offshore wind and other clean energy fields has been really eye-opening,” Francis said. “It’s encouraging to see how strong the demand is for people in these industries and to meet individuals whose job is to connect you with opportunities. This is the first time I’ve seen an event so focused on helping people break into the field even if it’s not directly through the company they’re speaking with.”
O’Connor added: “Our students in Taste of the Trades get to showcase their newfound technical knowledge with potential employers while sharpening their networking abilities. Having a Summer Youth graduate not only return but as an employee with a leader like Haugland proves that the program is working.”
Leena Elbaroudy from Bellport High School said she gained practical exposure through Taste of the Trades: “I didn’t really know what I was going into at first,” she said. “I learned about electrical grid battery storage welding CNC machining and environmental impacts of green energy. It showed me range possibilities confirmed want study engineering.” She credited meetings at open house for clarifying her path toward environmental engineering studies.
Industry representatives pointed out ongoing demand across disciplines including engineering construction environmental science community engagement highlighting importance early exposure skill-building among youth interested entering these sectors.
Kurtoglu summarized his advice: “Everything is connected from infrastructure technology STEM Exposure these fields early on helps people focus what they want do My advice don’t be afraid fail be curious ask questions Networking everything.”
