The Duke Energy Foundation announced on Apr. 14 a $600,000 investment to support workforce development for North Carolina’s energy sector, including grants to community colleges and regional partners.
The funding aims to help meet the growing demand for skilled workers as the state experiences rapid population growth and economic expansion. Community colleges and regional workforce organizations are seen as key connectors between local talent and job opportunities in the expanding energy industry.
Of the total investment, $500,000 will be distributed among 20 community colleges across North Carolina. Each school will receive $25,000 to enhance hands-on training programs, purchase equipment, provide scholarships, and improve curricula related to electrical systems, linework, welding, HVAC technology, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. An additional $100,000 will go toward two regional partners: The Forward Fund (TFF) and AdvanceNC. TFF will use its grant to expand a zero-interest loan program for students in skilled trades at Alamance Community College and Piedmont Community College. AdvanceNC’s funding will support a full-time role dedicated to strengthening connections between education providers and advanced manufacturing employers.
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president said: “Investing in North Carolina’s community colleges is critical as our industry and state meet this incredible growth moment. These programs are proven launchpads into meaningful, in‑demand careers – helping build the workforce that will power what’s next and support the infrastructure our customers rely on every day.”
Dr. Kevin Lee of Piedmont Community College said: “We are grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this investment in Piedmont Community College and the communities we serve. This grant will allow us to launch a short-term pipefitting program that will quickly prepare students for high-demand careers while directly supporting the workforce needs of our region. It’s a powerful example of how partnerships can create immediate opportunity and long-term economic impact.” Vanessa Shelton Sotlen from Central Piedmont Community College added: “We are deeply grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this investment and long-term partnership that allows Central Piedmont to expand hands-on training in our lineworker program. This funding allows us to add critical, industry-specific equipment which will reduce downtime, improve safety, and ensure our graduates are ready to meet CDL requirements and succeed in the utility workforce.”
According to information provided by Duke Energy Foundation officials over recent years they have awarded more than $6 million towards similar initiatives aimed at building local capacity within energy-related fields.
Looking ahead as companies continue announcing new projects generating thousands of jobs tied largely with manufacturing facilities throughout North Carolina—the need remains strong for locally trained workers able both maintain existing infrastructure while meeting rising demand.
