#United States #Duke Energy #Workforce Training #South Carolina #Greenville

Duke Energy Foundation's Commitment to Workforce Development in South Carolina

The ever-changing landscape of South Carolina demands not only new infrastructure but also a robust and skilled workforce to build a prosperous future. Recognizing this urgent need, the Duke Energy Foundation has stepped in with a significant investment, pledging $180,000 in grants to nine technical colleges across the state. These funds aim to enhance training programs in construction-related fields, ensuring that local communities are well-equipped to meet the growth challenges ahead.

Supporting Local Technical Colleges

The nine colleges benefiting from this initiative include:

• - Central Carolina Technical College
• - Florence-Darlington Technical College
• - Greenville Technical College
• - Northeastern Technical College
• - Piedmont Technical College
• - Spartanburg Community College
• - Tri-County Technical College
• - Williamsburg Technical College
• - York Technical College

Each institution will receive $20,000 to bolster their workforce training programs. This funding will enhance hands-on learning opportunities and promote industry-recognized certifications, making students more competitive in high-demand fields.

Addressing the Skills Gap

According to Tim Pearson, president of Duke Energy South Carolina, the need for skilled trade workers is extremely high, especially with the construction of new facilities like the natural gas plant in Anderson County. These projects are set to generate thousands of job opportunities within the local labor market. The strategic allocation of these funds is intended to strengthen the talent pipeline necessary for such endeavors.

Dr. Debbie Cheek, interim president of Florence-Darlington Technical College, emphasized the partnership with Duke Energy, noting how the resources will directly impact their Electrician Program. "With nearly half of construction firms reporting labor shortages as a critical impediment, this investment not only aids in training but fills an essential demand in the workforce now and into the future," said Dr. Cheek.

Similarly, Gina Blohm, executive director at Greenville Technical College, expressed her gratitude for the support of welding education, highlighting how it alleviates barriers for students eager to pursue careers in this fast-growing sector.

Empowering Future Generations

The investment made by the Duke Energy Foundation goes beyond equipment; it opens doors for students across the region, preparing them for fulfilling careers while ensuring that local employers have access to a skilled workforce. Dr. Michael Mikota, president of Spartanburg Community College, noted that this collaborative effort fosters economic development and builds the future workforce needed to address community needs.

Overall, the Duke Energy Foundation has significantly contributed to workforce development in South Carolina, investing a total of $5.4 million in various initiatives since 2016. This new investment indicates an ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of the state's economy.

About Duke Energy Foundation

Every year, the Duke Energy Foundation disburses more than $30 million in philanthropic support aimed at enhancing the quality of life in communities impacted by the company’s operations. Funded by Duke Energy's shareholders, these initiatives reflect a stringent focus on community needs and sustainable development.

Duke Energy, a prominent energy holding company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves over 8 million customers across multiple states, operating with a mission to modernize energy delivery while ensuring environmental sustainability. Follow Duke Energy on social media to stay updated on efforts in empowering communities and innovation in energy solutions.