Duke Energy Foundation Grant Provides New Equipment for NCC Electric Line Program
Electric Line Construction student Nykim Stephens operates equipment at NCC
Nash Community College has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to purchase equipment for the Electric Line Construction Technology program.
The college is one of 16 organizations in North Carolina to collectively receive $648,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The equipment will allow the college to strengthen its Electric Line Construction Technology program while increasing student enrollment preparing more skilled workers to enter the industry.
Equipment will include drive adapters, bucket hooks, wrenches, fiberglass step, a holster, socket lockers, ratchet straps, an aerial basket rescue kit, a hydraulic pole tamper, AMPACT tool cartridges and shells, and a pole trailer.
NCC Electric Line Construction Technology 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 with students earning OSHA, CDL and CPR certifications during training.
“At Duke Energy, we recognize the importance of expanding access to workforce training opportunities in the communities we serve, especially those that are underserved,” said Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We look forward to working with these organizations to build the diverse workforce North Carolina needs to be a strong, successful economic engine.”
NCC’s program is known statewide 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. The equipment funded by the Duke Energy Foundation Workforce Development grant will ensure NCC’s Electric Line Construction Technology program continues to provide high-quality training opportunities, resulting in highly qualified program graduates.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy’s customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
