RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The Siemens Foundation, a nonprofit, is investing $9.25 million in North Carolina to launch Careers Electric, an initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s energy workforce.
“Today, electrical workers are retiring from the field at a much faster rate than there are new entrants. Here in North Carolina, nearly 70% of licensed electricians are over the age of 50,” said Gov. Josh Stein during an event announcing the funding Tuesday at the Executive Mansion.
The push comes as the state has experienced a surging population and additional energy demands.
“Today, the United States, as (Gov. Stein) mentioned, is facing explosive new demand for electrical workers as data centers and AI infrastructure is built out and manufacturing in the U.S. expands. In fact, by 2030, we will need more than 130,000 electrical workers to meet that demand,” said David Etzwiler, Chief…
