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Duke Energy Foundation Invests in the Future of North Carolina's Energy Workforce

In a significant move to bolster the energy sector workforce in North Carolina, the Duke Energy Foundation has announced a remarkable investment of $600,000. This funding is specifically directed towards community colleges and regional partners that seek to expand access to training programs aligned with the energy field.

A Breakdown of the Investment

The funding allocation includes $500,000 designated for 20 community colleges across North Carolina, aimed at strengthening their energy-related educational programs. Additionally, $100,000 will support two regional workforce partners, enhancing training opportunities and reducing financial barriers that students face when entering energy careers.

The investment is crucial, especially as enrollment in North Carolina’s community college system witnessed a growth rate four times higher than the national average between 2024 and 2025, highlighting the rising interest in skilled trades within the energy sector.

Duke Energy is also preparing for an extensive infrastructure upgrade, proposing nearly $10 billion in grid investments between 2027 and 2028. These upgrades include improving poles, wires, and smart technology to boost reliability for consumers. This substantial expenditure accentuates the growing demand for a well-trained workforce ready to meet the expanding needs of the energy market.

Support for Community Colleges

Among the recipients, each of the selected community colleges will receive $25,000 to enhance their training programs. This investment will benefit various areas including:

• - Electrical systems and linework
• - Welding
• - HVAC
• - Advanced manufacturing
• - Emerging technologies

The focus is to provide hands-on training, necessary equipment, scholarships, and curriculum improvements that directly connect with the energy sector's current requirements.

Regional Partnerships for Growth

Furthermore, the funds will also boost two regional partners through targeted initiatives:
1. The Forward Fund (TFF) will allocate $50,000 to expand their zero-interest loan program. This initiative aims to assist students pursuing short-term education in skilled trades, covering essential expenses such as transportation and childcare. This year's funding will also be utilized to support pipefitting programs at Alamance and Piedmont Community Colleges.
2. AdvanceNC, which will receive an additional $50,000, focuses on creating robust partnerships among community colleges, universities, and workforce boards to deliver skilled talent to Central North Carolina businesses. This funding will facilitate a full-time role dedicated to optimizing the program, ensuring that local educational systems are synchronized with industry needs.

Growth in Demand

As North Carolina’s population surpasses 11 million, the state continues to rank among the fastest-growing in the nation. Economic development in 2025 led to the announcement of projects that created over 35,000 jobs and brought in $24 billion in investments, significantly tied to new manufacturing facilities. Such rapid growth amplifies the demand for energy and highlights the critical need for a workforce that is well-equipped to tackle upcoming challenges in the energy sector.

Industry Voices

Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, emphasized the importance of equipping community colleges during this pivotal growth phase: “Investing in North Carolina’s community colleges is essential as our industry faces incredible growth opportunities. These programs are proven launchpads for shaping meaningful, in-demand careers.”

Dr. Kevin Lee, president of Piedmont Community College, expressed gratitude for the funding: “This enables us to launch programs that prepare students for high-demand careers while directly addressing regional workforce requirements.”

Vanessa Shelton Sotlen, Associate Vice President of Central Piedmont Community College, also recognized the investment's significance, noting that essential new equipment will enhance hands-on training in the lineworker program, thus better preparing graduates to meet industry requirements.

Conclusion

Duke Energy's investment represents not just financial support but a long-term commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the energy sector in North Carolina. As the demand for energy grows due to population and economic factors, ensuring that local talent is adequately trained and educated is a vital step toward a sustainable future in energy. For more insights on Duke Energy’s initiatives and programs, visit Duke Energy's official website.