Siemens Foundation Launches Electrical Academies in North Carolina

In an ambitious effort to address the growing need for skilled electrical workers, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) is launching the Careers Electric initiative, supported by a $9.5 million investment from the Siemens Foundation. This initiative will introduce 12 Summer Electrical Academies at community colleges throughout North Carolina, aiming to train 220 students. The goal, announced in February by Governor Stein and the Siemens Foundation, is to prepare 25,000 North Carolinians for electrical careers over the next decade.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “North Carolina’s greatest strength is its people, and the state’s continued growth starts with an investment in our future workforce.” The academies are designed to equip students with essential skills for electrical professions, thereby fostering economic growth and providing new opportunities for students.

Each academy functions through a collaboration between a community college and local school districts, with employer partners playing a crucial role as work-based learning hosts and pre-apprenticeship sponsors. Students participating in the program will enroll in electrical courses for college credit, earn industry-recognized credentials, and engage in hands-on work experiences. Upon completion, students will be prepared for entry-level roles through registered electrical apprenticeships or may choose to further their education with a certification or an Associate Degree in Electrical Systems Technology.

Participants will receive a $2,000 stipend upon completing the academy, along with additional support services such as career coaching and financial literacy training. Instructional materials will be provided at no cost, ensuring accessibility for all students.

This week, ABB announced its involvement as a co-chair of the Careers Electric Coalition, alongside the Siemens Foundation. ABB has committed $1 million over the next two years to help expand electrical workforce development efforts across the nation. More information about founding partners can be found here.

Why Skilled Electrical Workers Are Essential

Electrical careers are among the fastest-growing fields in North Carolina. Labor market data from the NC Department of Commerce predicts an increase in electrician employment from roughly 25,800 to over 28,500 between 2024 and 2034. With more than 70,000 electrical jobs in North Carolina, including roles like power-line installers and electrical engineers, growth is expected across almost all categories.

The need for new entrants into the electrical field is becoming urgent due to the aging workforce, with the average licensed electrician in North Carolina nearing retirement age. The Careers Electric™ Summer Academies aim to bridge this gap by attracting young people to the trade.

David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, underscored the importance of this initiative, stating, “For years we’ve heard about the widening skills gap and growing worker shortages in skilled trades. Careers Electric provides a model to solve this – validating the solution in one state, then working together to scale it nationwide.”

For young people, registered electrical apprenticeships present a debt-free path into the middle class, offering stable employment and career advancement opportunities.

Caroline Sullivan, Executive Director of NCBCE, highlighted the transformative potential of these academies: “These academies represent something powerful: a chance for young people across North Carolina to step into careers that offer real wages, real skills, and real opportunities.”

Participating Summer Electrical Academies

Launching in the summer of 2026, 12 academies will operate statewide, developed through collaboration between NCBCE, community colleges, local school districts, and employer partners.