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Duke Energy's Commitment to Workforce Development

Duke Energy, a leading American energy provider, has taken a significant step towards shaping the future of the energy workforce by joining the newly established Careers Electric coalition. This initiative, designed to cultivate a skilled trades workforce, focuses particularly on the state of North Carolina, aiming to train 25,000 workers over the next decade.

As the demand for electrification grows across various sectors including energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, the need for skilled electricians is becoming increasingly urgent. With projections indicating a 10% growth in electrical careers over the next ten years, new initiatives like Careers Electric are vital in addressing the widening workforce gaps due to the retirement of experienced professionals.

Connection to Job Opportunities

To fulfill this demand, Duke Energy plans to facilitate connections between training programs and real-world job prospects. The company's involvement is particularly focused on commercial electricians, where the need is most pressing. Collaborations with industry partners, such as Zachry Group, will help establish clear pathways from educational programs to employment opportunities, especially in major energy infrastructure projects.

Investing in Training and Development

Duke Energy is also committed to enhancing training capacity within the community. Through funding initiatives from the Duke Energy Foundation, the company has already contributed over $6 million in the past five years to bolster the energy workforce pipeline. Support will target both community colleges and local workforce programs, ensuring that the educational programs align with industry requirements.

Local Expansion Initiatives

To meet regional demands, Duke Energy will champion the creation or expansion of training programs near its construction sites. This localized approach will help ensure a steady supply of qualified workers ready to join the workforce in response to specific community needs.

Engaging Youth Early

Another crucial aspect of this initiative is engaging students at an early stage. Duke Energy plans to actively participate in graduation events and career fairs at technical academies, raising awareness about the potential of electrical careers. By connecting students directly with employers, the company hopes to foster an interest in the electrical trades among the youth.

Focus on North Carolina

The coalition's initial efforts in North Carolina serve as a testbed that might serve as a model for other states. The focus includes two primary pathways:
1. High Schools: In 2026, the program aims to train between 200-250 students, with plans to scale this annually.
2. Community Colleges: Over the next three years, ten community colleges in North Carolina will augment their existing programs by 20%, with goals to expand to additional institutions.

Industry Perspectives

According to Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's president in North Carolina, a robust skilled workforce is essential for the energy transition and the state's growth. He expresses gratitude to Siemens for spearheading the Careers Electric initiative, which aims to provide clear pathways into high-wage electrical careers, particularly for those who may not pursue a four-year degree.

Furthermore, David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, emphasizes the critical need for high-quality training to meet growing employer demands for skilled talent. He recognizes the collaborative effort of industry leaders in this powerful coalition as a testament to the importance of workforce training in reinforcing our economy and communities.

Coalition and Partnership

Duke Energy joins forces with founding partners such as ABB, Amazon Web Services, JetZero, Hitachi Energy, and Siemens, in addition to various workforce development organizations and educational leaders committed to scaling proven training models across the country. Local partners include key organizations like the NC Chamber, the NC Department of Commerce, and various community colleges.

Duke Energy, which serves approximately 8.7 million customers across six states, is actively pursuing an energy modernization strategy that prioritizes customer value and efficiently meets the growing energy demands. To learn more about Duke Energy's initiatives, visit duke-energy.com. Additionally, follow them on social media for stories about the individuals and innovations powering their communities.