Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support energy sector job training for local students.
The award is one of 19 grants to community colleges across the state in support of energy sector training programs like CCC&TI’s Electrical Lineworker and Substation Relay Technician programs. The funds, totaling more than $600,000 will help colleges maintain a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the energy industry’s growing workforce needs.
The grant will fund the equipment needed to electrify the program’s substation, which will further enhance the real-world, hands-on experience that Substation Relay technicians need to prepare for the workforce. As part of CCC&TI’s The Substation Relay Technician program, alongside the Electrical Lineworker Institute, were established to meet the growing need for energy industry workers both locally and nationally. In addition to the substation equipment, the Duke Energy Foundation grant also provides funds to raise awareness of the programs and recruit new students.
The grants are part of Duke Energy’s ongoing commitment to workforce development which totals more than $6.6 million over the last five years. “As our state and industry continue to grow, North Carolina’s community colleges are helping us meet the moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina President. “As technologies change and we modernize our energy fleet, we want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers.”
CCC&TI President, Dr. Mark Poarch expressed his gratitude to Duke Energy for their continued support of the college and its energy sector programs. “This grant award will provide a huge boost to CCC&TI’s Energy Institute, specifically the new Substation Relay Technician Program. Duke Energy is a tremendous partner and continues to support our efforts to prepare the next generation of energy workers. We are extremely grateful for the Duke Energy Foundation’s ongoing support of CCC&TI’s workforce development initiatives.”
For more information on CCC&TI energy sector programs, visit www.cccti.edu.
