Durham Tech receives nearly $200,000 from Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas for new Electrical Line Technician program
Durham Technical Community College has received a $196,902 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation and Piedmont Natural Gas for a new Electrical Line Technician program.
Melissa Chappell, Executive Director of the Durham Tech Foundation, said the program will help Durham Tech meet regional employment demands by preparing students to work as electrical line technicians.
“Duke Energy’s commitment to workforce development initiatives, including higher education and job readiness programs, makes the company an ideal partner for this program,” Chappell said.
The new program will cover elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line construction, safety codes and applications, electric power system, transformer/meter installations, and exploration of underground electrical distribution. Classes will be taught at the Northern Durham Center campus starting in Spring 2019.
“Durham Tech is extremely grateful for Duke Energy’s continued support and partnership. This grant will allow the College to provide the curriculum, required certifications, and pre-employment requirements to students as they prepare for careers as electrical line technicians,” said Dr. Peter Wooldridge, Vice President of Corporate, Continuing, and Public Services Education. “Duke Energy has been a partner on everything from program development and energy efficiency to equipment upgrades on campus.”
Duke Energy has been a longtime partner of Durham Tech, including a 2014 grant to create a mechatronics lab at the Northern Durham Center campus. The lab is home to the College’s new Advanced Manufacturing program.
“The job of a lineman is critical to the safe and efficient delivery of power for our customers in North Carolina,” said Indira Everett, Duke Energy district manager. “We’re pleased to partner with Durham Tech to cultivate training and education opportunities for line workers of the future who will continue this legacy and keep our communities safe.”
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System, and NC Department of Commerce.
About Durham Technical Community College
Durham Technical Community College champions learning and student success, delivers outstanding teaching and service, and develops career skills for the people of Durham. The College aims to be an active community partner in educational, workforce, and economic development. Durham Tech’s mission and strategic goals clearly commit the institution to engaging with our communities in ways that not only help those served, but also allow members of the college community to learn. Durham Tech extends the walls of our classrooms and the boundaries of the campuses, providing students, faculty, and staff with hands-on, real-world experiences while helping others.
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.
Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
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