⚡A new program will make it easier for North Carolina students to charge into a career in the electrical field. BCS Superintendent Rob Jackson joined a small group of education and industry leaders in Raleigh last week, as Gov. Josh Stein announced the launch of the Siemens Foundation’s Careers Electric. The national initiative is starting in North Carolina to expand access to high-quality electrical training and create clear pathways into well-paying, in-demand electrical careers.
“North Carolina’s strong workforce ecosystem, business-friendly climate, and surging demand for electrification position our state to lead the nation in building the skilled electrical workforce of the future,” said Gov. Stein. “As our energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors expand, this partnership opens the door for more North Carolinians to access high-quality training and secure good-paying careers that support families and strengthen our economy.”
Students have the opportunity to start exploring such careers in high school. For example, North Buncombe High School offers Electrical Trades I and Electrical Trades II. The new Careers Electric program could offer BCS students additional learning opportunities upon graduation to help lead them to high-demand, high-impact electrical careers that offer purpose-driven work and financial security.
“For years we’ve heard about a widening skills gap and growing worker shortages in skilled trades," said David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation. “Careers Electric provides a model to solve this – validating the solution in one state, then working together to scale it nationwide.”
The governor also hosted a roundtable discussion, highlighting the value of youth apprenticeships to employers, shared his administration’s work to double the number of apprentices in North Carolina, and encouraged employers to get involved.
“North Carolina is creating thousands of high-quality jobs that do not require a four-year degree," said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “Our community colleges are proud to partner with employers and initiatives like Careers Electric to prepare students for these opportunities and to ensure our state has the skilled workforce needed to support continued economic growth.”
Supported by a $9.25 million investment led by the Siemens Foundation and built with partners including the North Carolina Governor’s Office, Careers Electric plans to train 25,000 North Carolinians for jobs in the energy and infrastructure sectors within the program’s first 10 years.
“This is an exciting opportunity for students that enhances their ability to build their future in high school,” said Dr. Jackson. “Students in our career and technical education programs across the school system are able to earn industry-recognized credentials that validate their technical skills and safety knowledge. I am very excited that the Careers Electric initiative announced by Governor Stein includes potential paid internships for high school students. They can graduate high school with a tremendous knowledge base, ready to move into specialized training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.”