Careers Electric™ is a national workforce initiative designed to expand access to high-quality electrical training and create clear pathways into well-paying, in-demand careers. The initiative equips students and workers with technical, digital, safety and other workplace skills required in rapidly evolving energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

Supported by investments of $9.25 million from the Siemens Foundation and $1 million from ABB, the program positions North Carolina's community colleges as the primary engine for training students for essential roles in the energy and infrastructure sectors over the next decade.

Careers Electric™ also is supported by a coalition of major industry employers, national trade associations, workforce development organizations and philanthropic partners, including Amazon Web Services, Duke Energy, JetZero and Hitachi Energy.

Wake Tech is leading the way in developing and implementing a statewide Electrification Training Network, a High School Summer Academy and a suite of wraparound student supports. These efforts are designed to increase enrollment and keep students on track as they pursue career opportunities in the field of residential, commercial and industrial electrical system installation and maintenance. As a key partner, Wake Tech's serves as the blueprint for replication across the country, ensuring North Carolina remains the national leader in electrical workforce innovation.

North Carolina Careers Electric™ Training Network

Wake Tech expanded training capacity and modernized electrical and energy-related programs around emerging technologies and industry credentials. The college also has partnered with 10 other institutions in the North Carolina Community College System to strengthen multiple entry points into the workforce – from high school pathways and youth apprenticeships to community college credentials and advanced electrical training.

• Cape Fear Community College
• Catawba Valley Community College
• Central Piedmont Community College
• Durham Technical Community College
• Forsyth Technical Community College
• Gaston Community College
• Nash Community College
• Pitt Community College
• Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
• Wilkes Community College

Other partners in the initiative include the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the North Carolina Community College Foundation, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, the Families and Workers Fund and other industry employers across North Carolina.