Governor Josh Stein announced the launch of Careers Electric, a new national workforce initiative by the Siemens Foundation that will begin in North Carolina. The program aims to increase access to electrical training and create pathways into well-paying jobs in the electrical field.
“North Carolina’s strong workforce ecosystem, business-friendly climate, and surging demand for electrification position our state to lead the nation in building the skilled electrical workforce of the future,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As our energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors expand, this partnership opens the door for more North Carolinians to access high-quality training and secure good-paying careers that support families and strengthen our economy.”
David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, stated, “For years we’ve heard about a 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. Careers Electric is about opening doors into high-demand, high-impact electrical careers that offer purpose-driven work, financial security, and a strong foothold in the middle class. Together, we will ensure innovation creates opportunities for workers across America and creates real economic opportunity.”
Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System, added: “North Carolina is creating thousands of high-quality jobs that do not require a four-year degree. Our community colleges are proud to partner with employers and initiatives like Careers Electric to prepare students for these opportunities and to ensure our state has the skilled workforce needed to support continued economic growth.”
Careers Electric is supported by a $9.25 million investment led by Siemens Foundation with participation from partners including the North Carolina Governor’s Office. The goal is to train 25,000 residents for jobs in energy and infrastructure over ten years.
Governor Stein also led a roundtable discussion with representatives from Siemens Foundation, Siemens USA, ABB, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, National Association of Manufacturers, NC Chamber of Commerce, NC Electric Cooperatives as well as other elected officials. He discussed youth apprenticeships’ value for employers and outlined his administration’s aim to double apprenticeship numbers statewide.
Last week at an NC Strong Update event, Governor Stein shared plans to allocate discretionary funds toward NC Career Launch—an effort designed to help businesses develop more youth apprenticeship programs in sectors such as electrification. In December 2025, his Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships released its annual report outlining strategies to strengthen workforce development across North Carolina through employer leadership and clear job pathways.
Site Selection Magazine recently named North Carolina as its top state for workforce development in 2026 due partly to robust apprenticeship programs.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves all residents throughout the state as its chief executive branch leader. It enforces laws, directs budgets—including funding initiatives like Careers Electric—and chairs the Council of State according to information from its official website. Josh Stein currently serves as North Carolina’s 76th governor.
