Workforce development gets a boost

The face of industry in the Carolinas has changed dramatically. Today’s manufacturers need workers with the highly technical skills that will help them compete in a global, technology-driven economy.

Through partnerships with technical and community colleges, Duke Energy is responding to the call. We provide funding for training programs to give workers new skills that can boost their careers, local industry and economic growth in our communities.

North Carolina

Since establishing the Duke Energy Community and Technical College grant program in 2004, we have awarded more than $15 million in grant money to 24 N.C. community colleges for job training in manufacturing and related industries.

For example, Duke Energy grant money helped Randolph Community College create a mobile industrial-automation classroom and purchase equipment for a state-of-the-art welding training center.

Approximately 6,900 workers have completed or are enrolled in N.C. training programs that receive Duke Energy funds. Because many of the grants have paid for equipment and curriculum development, thousands more will benefit in the coming years.

In 2012, Duke Energy was named Distinguished Partner in Excellence by the North Carolina Community College System — for the company’s lasting contributions to education and firm commitment to the development of the state’s workforce.

South Carolina

A similar program in South Carolina has provided more than $17 million in education funding to high schools and colleges. Established by Duke Energy in 2004, AdvanceSC provides grants to encourage job creation, capital investment and educational programs in the company’s S.C. service area.

One AdvanceSC grant allowed Greenville Technical College to purchase simulation software and equipment to train computer-numerical-control (CNC) operators. CNC is just one of the highly technical skills manufacturers need to meet the demands of the digital age.

As part of our merger with Progress Energy, Duke Energy contributed more than $4 million to the Clemson University Center for Workforce Development. The center’s mission is to develop the next generation of skilled technicians, engineers and scientists to support S.C. industry.

Duke Energy’s funding will:

  • Help create e-learning and virtual resources designed to support industrial development
  • Sponsor competitive grant opportunities for K-12 and technical college classrooms
  • Finance conferences to increase awareness of workforce development issues
  • Support scholarships and internships across multiple institutions of higher learning in South Carolina.

Clemson’s center is also a valuable resource for working professionals who wish to upgrade their skills and further their qualifications.

The Center for Workforce Development and other business/industry/education partnerships are creating the next generation of engineers, technicians and scientists — so our region and our nation can compete in a global marketplace.