Duke Energy Joins Careers Electric Coalition to Boost Skilled Trades Workforce Development in North Carolina

Duke Energy (DUK) actively engages in workforce development through its membership in the newly formed Careers Electric coalition. This initiative aims to bolster the skilled trades, particularly within North Carolina, by training an estimated 25,000 workers over the next decade. As the demand for electricians rises with increasing electrification in energy and manufacturing sectors, Duke Energy’s involvement is critical in connecting training programs to real job opportunities, particularly in the commercial electrical sector where demand is surging.

Building Connections: Training Meets Opportunity

Duke Energy collaborates with industry partners like the Zachry Group to create direct pathways that link training with employment in significant energy projects. Over the last five years, the company has invested more than $6 million into local community colleges and workforce programs to strengthen the energy workforce pipeline. Their initiative concentrates on high school and community college students, with a goal to train between 200 and 250 high school students by 2026 and to increase electrician programs in ten community colleges by 20% over the upcoming three years.

A Collaborative Effort for a Skilled Workforce

Prominent figures like Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, underscore the necessity of a skilled workforce for the state’s upcoming energy transition. The founding partners of the Careers Electric coalition, which include notable companies such as ABB, Amazon Web Services, and Siemens, illustrate the importance of providing high-quality training to meet workforce demands. Additionally, local collaborators like the NC Chamber and the NC Department of Commerce are committed to promoting workforce readiness, highlighting a collective approach to addressing future labor needs.

Conclusion

The Careers Electric coalition stands as a vital development for Duke Energy and the wider community, ensuring that as the energy landscape continues to evolve, a qualified workforce remains ready to meet new challenges.