#United States #Raleigh #Careers Electric #Siemens Foundation #Wake Technical Community College

Expanding Workforce Training in North Carolina

In April 2026, North Carolina's commitment to enhancing workforce skills saw a significant development with the announcement of the Careers Electric™ Training Network. This initiative, which originated in February, aims at transforming electrical workforce training across the state.

Supported by a generous $2.5 million investment from the Siemens Foundation and Careers Electric™, the initiative is primed to make a substantial impact, targeting a 20% enrollment increase in Electrical Systems Technology (EST) programs at ten selected community colleges over the next three years.

A Diverse Selection of Colleges

A total of 32 community colleges expressed interest in participating in the program. The following ten institutions have been chosen based upon their ability to deliver the program and represent the geographical and industrial diversity of North Carolina:

• - Cape Fear Community College
• - Catawba Valley Community College
• - Central Piedmont Community College
• - Durham Technical Community College
• - Forsyth Technical Community College
• - Gaston College
• - Nash Community College
• - Pitt Community College
• - Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
• - Wilkes Community College

Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), expressed pride in these selections, highlighting the impressive response of 32 proposals. He stated, “These colleges are pivotal in scaling up the Careers Electric™ model, ensuring North Carolina is prepared to equip its workforce with the specialized skills needed for high-paying, in-demand careers.”

Financial Support and Curriculum Modernization

Each participating college will receive up to $250,000 in performance-based funding. This investment is aimed at modernizing the curriculum, enhancing recruitment efforts, and expanding student support services. Wake Technical Community College will act as the anchor partner in this effort, emphasizing the importance of a multi-faceted approach to workforce development.

Dr. Scott Ralls, President of Wake Tech, elaborated on the initiative’s potential, saying, “No single program will close the workforce gap, but this model shows how community colleges can expand access and align with industry to build a skilled workforce.”

A Pivotal Moment for Workforce Development

The Careers Electric™ initiative represents a collaborative effort amongst various stakeholders, including the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and several other partners. Its goal extends beyond mere technical training; it also aims to eliminate barriers that hinder student success, such as equipment costs, transportation, and childcare issues. These measures are crucial for developing a diverse pipeline of talent for the electrical trades.

David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, commented on the initiative, stating, “The selection of these ten colleges marks a pivotal moment in our mission to expand skill development and create opportunities. North Carolina provides an excellent environment to refine this national model, opening doors for students and furnishing the workforce with necessary skills.”

Creating a Future-Ready Workforce

As the state looks ahead, this initiative equips North Carolinians with the essential skills required for the growing sectors of energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The Careers Electric™ program is designed to benefit students and the economy significantly over the next decade.

In a world increasingly dependent on technology and energy, this initiative aims to position North Carolina as a leader in workforce development, creating a sustainable talent pool for future demands. Through partnerships and collaborative efforts, community colleges are taking significant strides towards bridging the skills gap in the electrical trade, championing the cause of affordable education and robust career pathways in the process.