Ten NC Colleges Selected for $2.5M Careers Electric Training Network

Ten North Carolina Community Colleges Selected for $2.5 Million Careers Electric™ Training Network

Published: April 23, 2026

RALEIGH, N.C. – Following the February launch of the groundbreaking Careers Electric™ initiative, the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) announces the ten community colleges selected to spearhead the statewide expansion of high-impact electrical workforce training.

The Careers Electric™ Training Network  is designed to increase enrollment in Electrical Systems Technology (EST) programs by 20% at each selected school over the next three years. Supported by investment from the Siemens Foundation and Careers Electric™ Coalition partners, this initiative aims to bridge the critical electrical skills gap and prepare workers for North Carolina’s rapidly growing energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.

A total of 32 RFPs were received from community colleges across the state as part of the application process. The ten following colleges were selected by a committee that reviewed applications:

• 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 “I am incredibly proud of the ten colleges selected for this critical initiative, and we are greatly encouraged by the strong turnout of 32 RFPs, demonstrating the system’s commitment to this effort,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “These ten colleges represent the geographic and industrial diversity of our state, and by scaling the Careers Electric™ model, we are ensuring that North Carolina is equipped to provide students with the specialized skills needed for high-paying and high-demand careers.”

Each institution will receive $250,000 in flexible, performance-based funding to modernize curriculum, enhance recruitment, and provide student support services. This expansion follows the successful pilot led by Wake Technical Community College, which continues to serve as the anchor partner and national blueprint for the program.

“We are tremendously proud that Wake Tech is serving as the blueprint for this crucial initiative,” said Dr. Scott Ralls, President of Wake Tech. “It is exciting to see ten more of our peer colleges now replicate this successful model to prepare students for the future of the electric workforce.”

By aligning and modernizing training, the colleges will prepare North Carolinians over the next decade for essential roles in the state’s workforce.

“The selection of these ten colleges marks a pivotal moment in our mission to expand access to training and create a sustainable electrical workforce,” said David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation. “North Carolina has proven to be the ideal setting to pilot this national model. We are excited to see these institutions open doors to additional students and equip  workers with the skill set to obtain well-paying jobs in the electrical trades, and to power the future of American innovation.”

The program is a collaborative effort involving the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), the NC Community College Foundation, Wake Tech Community College, EVITP, and the Families and Workers Fund. Beyond technical training, the funding will address barriers to student success, such as equipment costs, transportation, and childcare, ensuring a diverse pipeline of talent enters the trade.

About the North Carolina Community College System

The North Carolina Community College System (NC Community Colleges or System) is the engine for workforce development in North Carolina and the only public entity dedicated to providing affordable college access to anyone in the state. The System is governed by the NC State Board of Community Colleges with administration from the NC Community College System Office, and support from the NC Community Colleges Foundation, and is powered by the 58 community colleges and their respective foundations. Together, the System serves 600,000 students and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually. For more information, visit https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation advances workforce development in focused fields, including manufacturing, electrification, and healthcare in the United States. Established in 1998, the Siemens Foundation has invested $174 million in the United States to support the development of U.S. workers by scaling best-practices and investing in workforce training and education. Through partnerships with national organizations, we work to improve individual lives and local communities. Further information is available at www.siemens-foundation.org.

About Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College is North Carolina’s largest community college, offering hundreds of programs across 13 distinct career fields, including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care, and public safety. The college provides approximately 250 degree programs and transfer options, as well as 850 non-degree training and personal enrichment programs. With a focus on student success and regional workforce needs, Wake Tech emphasizes practical experience through apprenticeships and a supportive, intimate learning environment.

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