Building a Skilled Workforce: Duke Energy’s Role in the Careers Electric Coalition
Amidst the rapid pace of electrification in various sectors, the demand for skilled electrical workers is on the rise. Duke Energy has announced its partnership with the Careers Electric coalition, an initiative aimed at bridging the workforce gap in America’s skilled trades. This effort is particularly concentrated in North Carolina, where the need for commercial electricians is most pressing.
Training the Next Generation: The Careers Electric coalition has set an ambitious target to train 25,000 workers over the next decade. This initiative is driven by the anticipated 10% growth in electrical careers as the industry adapts to new technologies and infrastructure enhancements.
Duke Energy’s Commitment: As part of the coalition, Duke Energy is committed to aligning training programs with real-world job opportunities. The company will collaborate with partners like Zachry Group to streamline pathways from education to employment, focusing on high-demand areas such as major energy infrastructure projects. Additionally, Duke Energy’s foundation has invested over
Regional Focus: In North Carolina, the coalition’s initiatives could serve as a model for other states. High schools in the region aim to train 200-250 students in 2026, with plans for annual growth. Furthermore, ten community colleges in North Carolina are set to expand advanced electrician programs by 20% over the next three years.
Industry Insights and Collaborations
Kendal Bowman, President of Duke Energy North Carolina, emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce in supporting the state’s growth and energy transition. “This initiative is about creating clear, accessible pathways into high-paying electrical careers – especially those that don’t require a four-year degree – and helping build a pipeline of electricians ready to support North Carolina’s future,” Bowman stated.
David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, added, “High-quality workforce training is essential not only to meet employers’ growing demand for skilled talent, but also to expand access to well-paying trade careers for more Americans.”
Partnerships: Duke Energy is joined by industry giants such as ABB, Amazon Web Services, JetZero, Hitachi Energy, and Siemens. Local collaborations include the NC Chamber, NC Department of Commerce, NC Electric Cooperatives, and educational institutions like Wake Technical Community College.
About Duke Energy: Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company serving millions of customers across several states. As one of America’s largest energy holding companies, it is actively pursuing an energy modernization strategy that focuses on grid upgrades and efficient generation resources.
For more information, visit duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on social media for updates on innovations and community stories.
Contact: Madison McDonald
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