Governor Josh Stein marked the launch of Careers Electric, a new national initiative by the Siemens Foundation aimed at expanding access to electrical training and creating clear career pathways in North Carolina. The program seeks to address workforce needs in the energy and infrastructure sectors by preparing more residents for skilled electrical jobs.
“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, explained that Careers Electric is designed as a model to bridge skills gaps and worker shortages in trades. “For years we’ve heard about a widening skills gap and growing worker shortages in skilled trades,” said Etzwiler. “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, highlighted how community colleges are working with employers through initiatives like Careers Electric: “North Carolina is creating thousands of high-quality jobs that do not require a four-year degree,” said Dr. Cox. “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.”
The Siemens Foundation has committed $9.25 million toward Careers Electric with an aim of training 25,000 North Carolinians over ten years.
Governor Stein also hosted a roundtable discussion involving industry leaders such as Siemens USA, ABB, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, as well as representatives from organizations including the National Association of Manufacturers and NC Chamber of Commerce. During this event he discussed efforts underway by his administration to double apprenticeship numbers statewide.
Recently Governor Stein announced plans to allocate discretionary funds toward NC Career Launch—an effort intended to help businesses create more youth apprenticeship programs focused on areas like electrification.
In December 2025 an end-of-year report from the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships outlined strategies aimed at strengthening North Carolina’s workforce system—including goals for increasing apprenticeships across various industries.
In January 2026 Site Selection Magazine recognized North Carolina as its Top State for Workforce Development due in part to its robust apprenticeship offerings.
