Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $2.8M in grants for workforce development
The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded more than $2.8 million in grants this year to support workforce development programs in the energy sector.
Roughly $1.4 million in grants went to 22 community college programs across its service areas as the company hopes to train lineworkers. The lineworker training program funds will be primarily used by grantees for diversity recruitment, instructor stipends, equipment, materials, and program marketing.
“Duke Energy is committed to creating access to education and workforce development for people in the communities where we live and work,” Duke Energy Foundation President Amy Strecker said. “Skilled lineworkers maintain our infrastructure, allowing our communities to thrive. Equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required to perform utility line work prepares them for this rewarding career.”
Most recently, the foundation awarded $500,000 to Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte and $25,000 awards to 10 community colleges across North Carolina, including Durham Technical Community College.
“Duke Energy’s support will allow Durham Tech to deepen its recruitment efforts to build a diverse talent pipeline for electric line technician jobs and make the needed repairs and replacements of critical equipment as we enroll our 12th cohort of students,” JB Buxton, president, Durham Technical Community College, said. “With Duke Energy’s continued partnership, we are able to connect people to good jobs and true economic opportunity.”
The company’s investment in lineworker training programs and coordination with community colleges will create a more diverse talent pipeline and help the energy industry meet its future workforce needs.
