Governor Josh Stein marked the launch of Careers Electric, a new national initiative by the Siemens Foundation that begins in North Carolina. The program aims to expand access to electrical training and establish clear pathways into well-paying jobs in the electrical sector.
“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, stated: “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 – 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, added: “North Carolina is creating thousands of high-quality jobs that do not require a four-year degree. 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 Careers Electric initiative is supported by a $9.25 million investment led by the Siemens Foundation with involvement from partners such as the North Carolina Governor’s Office. The program plans to train 25,000 people in North Carolina for energy and infrastructure sector jobs over its first decade.
Governor Stein also held a roundtable discussion with representatives from organizations including Siemens USA, ABB, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, National Association of Manufacturers, NC Chamber of Commerce, NC Electric Cooperatives as well as other elected officials. During this meeting he emphasized youth apprenticeships’ value for employers and shared his administration’s efforts to double apprenticeship numbers statewide.
Recently Governor Stein announced discretionary funding for NC Career Launch—a program designed to help businesses develop more youth apprenticeship programs in sectors like electrification. In December his Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships released an end-of-year report outlining strategies for expanding access to good jobs through increased apprenticeships statewide.
In January Site Selection Magazine ranked North Carolina as 2026’s top state for workforce development due partly to its strong apprenticeship programs.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves all residents throughout the state by executing laws as chief executive officer while leading policy direction through budget management and appointments within government agencies (source). Josh Stein currently serves as governor (source).
