Duke Energy Pledges $6 Million, Aims to Train 25,000 Electric Workers Over 10 Years
DUK•Duke Energy will train 25,000 electrical workers over ten years by joining the Careers Electric coalition and investing $6 million to expand training. In 2026 it plans to train 200–250 North Carolina high school students and help ten community colleges increase electrician programs by 20% over three years.
1. Coalition Membership
Duke Energy has joined the Careers Electric coalition alongside ABB, Amazon Web Services, JetZero, Hitachi Energy and Siemens to address an anticipated 10% growth in electrical careers over the next decade as experienced workers retire.
2. Program Investments
Duke Energy Foundation has contributed more than $6 million over the past five years and the coalition aims to train 25,000 workers over ten years, starting with 200–250 North Carolina high school students in 2026 and expanding electrician programs at ten community colleges by 20% over three years.
3. Strategic Impact
The company will partner with training providers and employers like Zachry Group to connect students directly to utility and infrastructure projects, creating clear career pathways and establishing a North Carolina blueprint for expansion into other regions.
