Grants, Press Releases

Duke Energy Awards NCC $100,000 for Program Expansion

Nash Community College has been awarded a Duke Energy Workforce Development Grant for $100,000 to enhance its Electric Line Construction Technology program offerings. Equipment funded by the grant will ensure NCC’s Electric Line Construction Technology program continues to provide high-quality training opportunities, resulting in highly qualified program graduates.

“We are proud to support Nash Community College by helping expand its Electric Line Construction Technology program offerings,” said Tanya Evans, Duke Energy district manager. “Our goal is to create a diverse pipeline of skilled workers who can support North Carolina’s energy industry going forward, and NCC has been a wonderful and long-standing partner with us in that effort.”

The NCC Electric Line Construction Technology curriculum prepares students for line construction in rural utility settings through laboratory and practical applications. Students learn elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line construction, safety codes and applications, electric power systems, transformer installations, and more. An emphasis on safety is embedded in the program as students earn OSHA, CDL and CPR certifications during training.

NCC’s Electric Line Construction Technology program is known throughout the state and beyond for preparing students for real-world utility careers. Employers confidently recruit NCC graduates, knowing they have mastered workforce competencies prior to entering the workforce and that they are ready to face the demands of utility work.

“New equipment will allow NCC to launch a night academy for the Electric Line Construction Technology program providing greater availability for underemployed individuals to prepare for a career,” Wendy Marlowe said. “This will open doors for more individuals to pursue a career as a line technician, and will help address the increased attrition in the industry due to retirements as the expansion will supply skilled workers for the industry’s pipeline.”

NCC is working with some of the industry’s largest and most successful companies to prepare a technologically advanced, safe and productive workforce. In response to the needs of Duke Energy and sub-contractor partners, the college works to provide state-of-the-art industry training and education by adding technology-ready equipment.

For more information, please call 252-451-8243.

Pictured from left, NCC Board Chair Paul Jaber, NCC Vice President of Corporate and Economic Development and Chief Economic Development Officer Wendy Marlowe, NCC President Dr. Bill Carver, Duke Energy District Manager and NCC Foundation Board Member Tanya Evans, NCC Mathematics Department Chair and NCC Foundation Board President Dina Pitt, NCC Vice President of Advancement and Foundation Executive Director Pam Ballew and NCC Foundation Board Past President Frank Maynard.