The United States Congress has completed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Energy Appropriations Bill and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) will receive $525,000 in Congressional funding to help establish the Carolina’s Energy Training Center (CETC). CPCC President Tony Zeiss, Ph.D., together with N.C. Representatives Mel Watt and Larry Kissell, made the announcement during a special press conference event on the College’s Central Campus. The Center will include comprehensive training and lab facilities that will train today’s workforce to meet the dynamic needs of the Charlotte region's energy economy during the 2010 fiscal year. 

The Congressional funding will help CPCC purchase lab equipment and develop training programs that create career pathways for high school graduates and displaced workers seeking careers in the energy sector, including conventional (nuclear, coal) and alternative (solar, wind, biofuels) technology fields. Programs will also be customized for incumbent workers to provide career advancement opportunities.

“The Carolina’s Energy Training Facility will provide CPCC with the opportunity to leverage regional partnerships with area employers, educators, economic developers and workforce development boards that are working hard to position our Region as a recognized leader in the development and use of energy to attract jobs and investment,” said Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of CPCC. “CPCC envisions itself as a leader in workforce training for the energy sector. Thanks to the hard work of our elected officials and educational leaders, the College will be able to continue its tradition of providing quality programs that build tomorrow’s career professional – an individual prepared to enter high demand industries such as energy and sustainable technologies.”

North Carolina Congressional members, including Representative Mel Watt, Representative Larry Kissell and Senator Kay Hagen, played a critical role in securing these appropriations. CPCC will be able to access the funds after the Federal FY 2010 budget is signed by President Obama in January 2010.

“North Carolina is becoming one of the leading innovators of energy technology,” said Congressman Kissell. “CPCC’s new Energy Training Center will position it as a leader in preparing our energy workforce to propel this ever-expanding field. This funding is an investment in our energy future and perhaps more importantly -- new jobs. I am pleased to see this funding secured.”

CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

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This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news.