NEW BERN, N.C. – Craven Community College (Craven CC) today announced a $200,000 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used toward a new Craven County Apprentice Program (CCAP) that connects students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.
The investment, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will be used to create a manufacturing career pathway focused on training individuals in one of three programs, which include Industrial Systems Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Technology.
“Apprenticeships are critical to developing connections between the classroom and workforce readiness,” said Dr. Ray Staats, Craven CC president. “We are extremely fortunate Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are devoting resources and funds toward a program that cultivates a path for students to be successful leaders in their preferred fields of study.”
Representatives from Duke Energy presented the grant to Craven CC today during a ceremony in the Bosch Advanced Manufacturing Center, located on the New Berm campus.
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.
“We are proud to partner with Craven Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Mike Hughes, vice president of community relations, Duke Energy. “These students will help meet the growing and evolving needs of the region’s manufacturing industry.”
In addition to support provided by Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas, CCAP will utilize various local partners and resources in Craven County, including Craven County Government, City of New Bern, Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board and Craven County Schools. Manufacturing partners include Bosch, Chatsworth Products, Moen, Atlantic Veneer, Carolina Plastics and Tandemloc.
Funds provided in this investment will be used for tuition toward career readiness certification, fees and textbooks.
CCAP will begin at Craven CC during the 2018 fall semester.
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture. Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation