Siemens Foundation Launches $9.25M Electrical Training Program in North Carolina

The program aims to train 25,000 North Carolinians for jobs in the energy and infrastructure sectors within the first 10 years.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

The Siemens Foundation, an arm of the German conglomerate Siemens, has launched a $9.25 million training program called 'Careers Electric' to address the skills gap and create opportunities for people interested in electrical careers. The program will focus on North Carolina initially, where Siemens employs around 2,300 workers, before expanding nationwide.

Why it matters

North Carolina has become a magnet for companies focused on updating the nation's power grid to accommodate renewable energy and increased power demand. This program aims to provide a pipeline of skilled electrical workers to support the growth of these industries in the state.

The details

The Careers Electric program plans to train 25,000 North Carolinians for jobs in the energy and infrastructure sectors within the first 10 years. Siemens is partnering with the governor's office and the state's community college system to implement the program. The company says the program will open doors to 'high-demand, high-impact electrical careers that offer purpose-driven work, financial security, and a strong foothold in the middle class'.

  • The Siemens Foundation launched the Careers Electric program on February 17, 2026.
  • The program aims to train 25,000 North Carolinians within the first 10 years.

The players

Siemens Foundation

An arm of the German conglomerate Siemens that is investing $9.25 million in the Careers Electric training program.

David Etzwiler

Chief executive of the Siemens Foundation.

Josh Stein

The governor of North Carolina, who has pushed for more workforce development during his time in office.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— David Etzwiler, Chief executive of the Siemens Foundation (wral.com)

“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.”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina (wral.com)

What’s next

The Siemens Foundation plans to focus on North Carolina before expanding the Careers Electric program nationwide.

The takeaway

This program is a proactive step by Siemens and the state of North Carolina to address the growing skills gap in the electrical trades and provide a pipeline of skilled workers to support the state's expanding energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors.