Partnerships
Wake Tech is Anchor Partner in National Electric Workforce Initiative
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 17, 2026) – Wake Tech is playing a central role in the launch of Careers Electric™, a new national workforce initiative designed to expand access to high-quality electrical training and create clear pathways into well-paying, in-demand careers.
Careers Electric™ will equip students and working adults with technical, digital, safety and workplace skills required in today's rapidly evolving energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Through modernized curriculum and hands-on learning, the initiative aims to prepare 25,000 learners over the next decade for high-demand electrical careers essential to powering America's future.
As North Carolina's lead community college partner and the first state selected to implement this scalable training model, Wake Tech will help meet the growing demand for skilled electrical professionals. That demand is driven by accelerating electrification, including data centers, AI infrastructure and manufacturing and energy needs, as well as an aging electrical workforce.
Careers Electric™ was announced Tuesday during a press conference at the Executive Mansion. The workforce initiative is launching in North Carolina with a $9.25 million investment from the Siemens Foundation and partnerships with state leaders, education partners and national workforce organizations. Alongside Wake Tech, partners include the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), the North Carolina Community College Foundation (NCCCF) and System (NCCCS), Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), the Families and Workers Fund (FWF) and other industry employers across the state.
"Wake Tech is proud to serve as the lead community college partner for Careers Electric™ in North Carolina," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "This initiative recognizes the critical role community colleges play in building the skilled electrical workforce our economy depends on. By expanding high-quality training aligned with industry needs, we're creating clear, accessible pathways that help students and working adults move into in-demand, well-paying careers while supporting the state's rapidly growing electrification and energy sectors."
At Wake Tech, the initiative will expand training capacity and modernize electrical and energy-related programs around emerging technologies and industry credentials. Wake Tech will partner with 10 strategically located community colleges for the North Carolina Electrification Training Network, strengthening multiple entry points into the workforce – from high school pathways and youth apprenticeships to community college credentials and advanced electrical training.
Pilar Andrande-Rosalino, a graduate of Wake Tech's Electrical Systems Technology program currently working as an electrical technician, shared her pathway to an electrical career during the press conference.
"Electrical work is important to me because it challenges me to continuously learn and problem-solve," she said. "I take pride in knowing that my work helps keep families and businesses safe. Expanding training opportunities in electrical programs can help more students like me gain access to quality education and hands-on experience and build a skilled workforce."
"For years, we've heard about a widening skills gap and growing worker shortages in skilled trades," said David Etzwiler, chief executive 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. Careers Electric™ is about opening doors into high-demand, high-impact electrical careers that offer purpose-driven work, financial security and a strong foothold in the middle class. Together, we will ensure innovation creates opportunities for workers across America and benefits individuals, families and communities."
"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 North Carolina Gov. Josh 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."
