Duke Energy awards $221,000 to Beaufort County Community College | Eastern NC Now

    WASHINGTON, N.C.     Duke Energy and Beaufort County Community College today announced a $221,000 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funds will be used to replace an out-of-date plasma cutter and a press brake.

    The welding and fabrication field is facing a high number of retirements, and companies are anxious to hire new employees trained on the latest equipment. The grant allows BCCC to update its equipment to match those being used by companies where students are placed after certification.

    The College will purchase a Hornet SS, a plasma arc cutter that delivers more precision and quality, while increasing productivity. The funds will also pay for a Cincinatti 90PF+6, a state-of-the-art press brake with touch-screen controls.


    "Welders and fabricators are in high demand, so we want to provide our students with training on the equipment they will be using in the field," said Ted Clayton, Welding Program director. Clayton's connections to local companies mean that he can match students with openings, even before they are finished with their certifications.

    "Beaufort County Community College is committed to equipping its students with the skills needed to compete in today's rapidly evolving, global economy," said Duke Energy District Manager Millie Chalk. "We're proud to partner with their welding program to develop and retain a highly-skilled workforce in this region for years to come."

    This grant is part of Duke Energy's $30 million investment in North Carolina's Community Colleges' focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges can apply for funds through the NC Community Foundation. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.


    Beaufort County Community College provides accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training and lifelong learning opportunities to the people of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington Counties. Its Welding program has placed graduates globally.


    The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of its communities. Annually, the Foundation funds more than $25 million in charitable grants, with a focus on education, environment, economic and workforce development, and community impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and will continue to build on this legacy. For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

    Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

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• Contact: Attila Nemecz
•     Attila.Nemecz@beaufortccc.edu