PCC Receives Duke Energy/Piedmont Natural Gas Apprenticeship Grant

WINTERVILLE—Pitt Community College administrators announced last week that the college received a $200,000-investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with hands-on-training and career development opportunities.

“This grant will open doors to students who have the desire to attend college and become trained in a career that will pay well, provide for their families, and benefit the Pitt County region,” said PCC President Lawrence Rouse.

In accordance with grant guidelines, PCC will use the funding to train students who enroll in the college’s electrical, HVAC, industrial systems and welding (curriculum and continuing education) programs and participate in the Pitt Regional Apprenticeship Program (PRAP).

Steven Mathews, dean of PCC’s Construction & Industrial Technology Division, says the grant will fund scholarships and allow the college to purchase an electrical and HVAC systems trainer in support of PRAP, which was established to help manufacturing and service companies develop a pipeline of skilled workers in career fields specified by local workforce leaders.

Administered by the N.C. Community Foundation, the funding comes through the Duke Energy Foundation and is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million-investment in the N.C. Community College System (NCCCS). An advisory committee representing Duke Energy, NCCCS and the N.C. Department of Commerce reviewed applications from community colleges throughout the state and selected grant recipients.

“We’re proud to partner with Pitt Community College to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students and help continue to grow a diverse workforce for our region,” said Millie Chalk, district manager for Duke Energy.

Each year, the Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million in charitable gifts to support education, the environment, and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture. For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation.

06/04/2019