Powering futures: Central Piedmont launches students into high-demand electrical careers

For 14 recent high school graduates, this summer wasn’t about taking a break — it was about jumpstarting a career.

Through a new Careers Electric Summer Academy at Central Piedmont Community College, students traded summer vacation for hands-on training, college coursework and a direct pathway into one of North Carolina’s most in-demand professions. The initiative was funded by the Siemens Foundation and administered by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) to expand access to skilled trades education and strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.

The students, selected through a partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, began the program on June 16 after completing an application process. Throughout the summer, they enrolled in two college-level courses — Basic Construction Skills (WOL 110) and Residential Wiring (ELC 113) — gaining hands-on experience while earning college credit.

Central Piedmont was one of just 12 community colleges statewide across North Carolina selected to host a Summer Electrical Academy as part of the Careers Electric initiative. The academies connected students with college coursework, industry exposure and registered pre-apprenticeship opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in the electrical field. 

To help remove barriers to participation, the program covered tuition for both courses and provided financial support for transportation, books, fees and required equipment such as personal protective gear and work boots. Students also received a $2,000 stipend for successfully completing the program.

For student Teague Wilson, the experience did more than teach technical skills — it changed the trajectory of his future. Initially planning to attend a four-year university and pursue a career in medicine, Wilson discovered a new passion through the academy and is now working toward becoming a licensed electrician.

“The way the program teaches you to think as a tradesman, as an electrician, it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of other career fields,” Wilson said. “I was always a person who worked with cars and worked with my hands, but I never thought of that as a career. This program has really given me the opportunity to pursue that.”

Wilson’s story reflects the broader impact of Careers Electric. As demand for electricians continues to rise and experienced professionals approach retirement, North Carolina faces an urgent need for skilled workers. Programs like this help bridge that gap by introducing students to career and apprenticeship opportunities that offer strong wages, long-term stability and room for growth.

By joining forces with the Siemens Foundation and NCBCE, Central Piedmont expanded opportunities for students while helping employers develop the next generation of skilled workers. 

For these 14 students, the program provided more than summer learning. It delivered college credit, hands-on experience, professional connections and a vision for what comes next. It also proved the power of education and industry partnerships – which can create clear pathways for students. 

And for North Carolina, it helped energize the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

To learn more about building talent pipelines through registered apprenticeships, or for students seeking work experience prior to graduation, please contact Workplace Learning.