Duke Energy awards $141,029 to Beaufort County Community College | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    WASHINGTON, N.C.     Duke Energy and Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) today announced a $141,029 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation.

    The funds will be used to buy equipment to establish an Industrial Maintenance Program at BCCC. The six-month training program will be operated through the Division of Continuing Education.

    BCCC will begin accepting students to the program in the fall. Students will receive training in basic forklift operations, blueprint reading, wiring for electrical systems, hydraulics and pumps, plumbing, compressors and pneumatics and mechanical systems. Students will also receive human resources development training and a Career Readiness Certificate.

    Those who complete the course will be certified as industrial maintenance mechanics and will be qualified to repair and maintain a variety of commercial and industrial machinery.

    The median income for trained industrial maintenance mechanics is $55,000 per year. Jobs in the field are expected to increase by 35.5 percent over the next 10 years in Beaufort and surrounding counties, particularly as current workers retire and their positions become vacant.

    "As an important partner in the economic development of our region, Beaufort County Community College worked with local industries to develop this curriculum and I am delighted that Duke Energy has joined with us to provide equipment for this needed training for our work force," said BCCC President Barbara Tansey.

    "Our partnership with Beaufort County Community College develops a highly-skilled workforce that will help attract and retain jobs in the region for years to come," said Paul Newton, Duke Energy's state president - North Carolina.

    Bob Heuts, Beaufort County Economic Development director, said the need for this training was identified by the Business and Industry Innovation Council of the Beaufort County Committee of 100 as "a priority to accomplish in 2014."

    "The college, as always, made it happen, Duke Energy supported it and Beaufort County will benefit from having more skilled, certified technicians," he said.

    This grant is part of Duke Energy's $6.7 million investment in North Carolina community colleges' focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Since 2004, Duke Energy has awarded $15 million in grants to 24 community colleges within the Duke Energy Carolinas service area. This new $6.7 million investment also includes community colleges located in the Duke Energy Progress service area.

    Individual community colleges can apply for funds through the Foundation for the Carolinas (Duke Energy Carolinas customers) or NC Community Foundation (Duke Energy Progress customers). Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

    About Beaufort County Community College

    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to providing accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the college. For more information about the programs offered by BCCC, visit the college website at www.beaufortccc.edu.

    About Duke Energy Foundation

    Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation's long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation's dollars and guide the foundation's giving. The foundation makes grants supporting the environment, economic development, education and community vitality. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.

Millie House, district manager for Duke Energy, at right, presents a check to BCCC President Barbara Tansey and Beaufort County Economic Development Director Bob Heuts. The money will be used to buy equipment for an Industrial Maintenance Program that will be housed at the Beaufort County Skills Center.


    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training, and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the College.