Duke Energy joins national Careers Electric™ coalition to build next-generation energy workforce

About this update from Duke Energy Corporation (holding Company)

The coalition aims to train 25,000 workers over the next 10 years, creating pathways to stable, well-paying careersCHARLOTTE, N.C., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has joined the newly launched Careers Electric coalition, a new sector-driven approach to workforce development in America's skilled trades, with a targeted focus on North Carolina.Why it matters: As electrification accelerates across energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, electrical careers are projected to grow by roughly 10% over the next decade, with workforce gaps widening as experienced workers retire.Our role: Duke Energy will help connect training to real-world job opportunities and ensure programs are aligned with industry needs, with a focus on commercial electricians, where demand is most acute. The company will:Connect students to careers: Partner with companies like Zachry Group to create clearer pathways from training to job opportunities, particularly tied to major energy infrastructure and generation projects.Invest in training capacity: Support community colleges and workforce programs through Duke Energy Foundation funding, which has provided more than $6 million over the past five years to strengthen the energy workforce pipeline.Support local expansion: Champion new or expanded programs near Duke Energy construction sites to better align workforce supply with regional demand.Engage students early: Participate in graduation events and career fairs at training academies to raise awareness of electrical careers and connect students directly to employers.North Carolina focus: The coalition's early work in North Carolina could become a blueprint for other states and centers on two key pathways:High schools: In 2026, the program aims to train 200-250 students and plans to scale annually.Community colleges: Ten North Carolina community colleges will expand existing advanced electrician programs by 20% over the next three years, with plans to grow to additional schools.What they're saying:Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president: "The energy transition and our state's growth depend on a strong skilled workforce. We're grateful to Siemens for their leadership in launching Careers Electric and bringing partners together for this first-of-its-kind effort. This initiative is about creating clear, accessible pathways into high-paying electrical careers ...

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