Governor, lawmakers back career training expansion

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is promoting a new workforce development initiative to prepare students for electrical careers, a priority that has received support from business leaders and policymakers across the political spectrum as the state faces growing demand for skilled workers.

Stein, a Democrat, visited Cleveland Community College on July 13 to highlight the Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy, one of 12 programs launched this summer to train high school students for jobs in electrical trades, energy, and infrastructure.

The visit comes as North Carolina’s Republican-controlled General Assembly and Democratic governor continue to emphasize workforce development as a key economic priority, despite disagreements on other areas of state policy.

“Apprenticeships unlock doors of opportunity for young people, help employers develop homegrown talent, and support our state’s workforce needs,” Stein said in a statement. “Careers Electric Summer Academies are preparing the next generation of electrical professionals, creating opportunities for students, and supporting the long-term growth of our economy. No state will outwork North Carolina when it comes to developing our workforce.”

Workforce development has historically received bipartisan support in North Carolina, particularly around expanding access to community colleges, apprenticeships, and training programs designed to meet employer needs.

The Careers Electric initiative is a partnership between state education leaders, community colleges, school systems, and private employers. The Cleveland County Academy is operated through a collaboration among the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, Cleveland Community College, Cleveland County Schools, and local employers.

Students in the program can earn college credit, obtain industry-recognized credentials, complete a registered pre-apprenticeship, and gain hands-on experience with employers. The program is free to participating students, and graduates receive a $2,000 completion stipend.

The initiative was launched in North Carolina with a $9.25 million investment from the Siemens Foundation. Organizers say the goal is to train 25,000 North Carolinians for energy and infrastructure jobs during the program’s first decade.

The workforce focus comes as state officials point to a growing need for skilled labor.

According to North Carolina Department of Commerce labor market projections, the number of electricians in the state is expected to grow from about 25,800 jobs in 2024 to more than 28,500 by 2034.

The state also has more than 70,000 jobs requiring electrical knowledge, including positions involving power systems, telecommunications, engineering, and electronics.

At the same time, workforce officials are concerned about the age of current workers. Nearly 70% of licensed electricians in North Carolina are older than 50, while 13% are younger than 40.

Business leaders say training younger workers is essential to maintaining the state’s infrastructure and economic growth.

“For years we’ve heard about growing worker shortages in skilled trades,” said David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation. “Careers Electric provides a model to solve that gap: validating a workforce model in one state, then working together to scale it nationwide.”

The program is part of a broader effort by Stein’s administration to expand apprenticeship opportunities. In February, Stein announced he would direct discretionary Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding toward NC Career Launch, which helps businesses create youth apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries.

The Republican-led General Assembly has also prioritized workforce programs through state budgets and legislation supporting community colleges and career training.

Earlier this month, Stein signed Senate Bill 257, the state’s first full budget in more than two years. The budget includes $57.7 million for Propel NC, a community college workforce initiative, and $3.1 million for ApprenticeshipNC.

While Republicans and Democrats have disagreed over issues including spending priorities, taxes, education policy, and the role of government, workforce development has remained an area where both parties have frequently supported expanded opportunities for students and employers.

The Careers Electric program includes 220 high school students across 12 community college locations statewide. The participating schools include Blue Ridge Community College, Central Carolina Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, Cleveland Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College, Isothermal Community College, Pitt Community College, Rockingham Community College, Surry Community College, Vance-Granville Community College, Wake Technical Community College, and Wayne Community College.

The Isothermal Community College academy serves students from Rutherford County Schools and Polk County Schools.

Caroline Sullivan, executive director of the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, said the program is designed to connect students with opportunities before they enter the workforce.

“These academies represent something powerful: a chance for young people across North Carolina to step into careers that offer real wages, real skills, and real opportunities,” Sullivan said. “Through the Careers Electric initiative, we are investing in students at the exact moment when a high-quality, paid learning experience can change the direction of their lives.”

Industry partners are also investing in the effort. ABB recently joined the Careers Electric Coalition as co-chair with the Siemens Foundation and committed $1 million over two years to support electrical workforce development.

“The future of electrification starts with people, and the need for skilled talent has never been greater,” said Jason Green, country human resources manager at ABB US. “ABB is proud to co-chair the Careers Electric Coalition to invest in people, strengthen our industry, and create life-changing opportunities for the next generation.”

Supporters of the initiative say the program reflects a broader shift toward career pathways that combine classroom education with direct workplace experience.

As North Carolina competes for new industries and infrastructure investments, state leaders from both parties continue to point to workforce training as a critical piece of the state’s economic future.

“Governor, lawmakers back career training expansion” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.