Duke Energy partners with colleges to train next generation of lineworkers
MWN-AI** Summary
Duke Energy has initiated a significant partnership with several Florida colleges to bolster the training of the next generation of electrical lineworkers. Through the Duke Energy Foundation, grants of $50,000 each are being awarded to Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College, St. Petersburg College, and South Florida State College. This funding will enhance their electrical lineworker training programs, providing students with industry-recognized skills necessary for entry-level positions in electric utilities.
The training programs vary in duration, ranging from seven weeks to 18 months, positioning graduates for successful careers in a field that is projected to grow by 7% between 2024 and 2034, reflecting the need for skilled workers as energy demands increase. Duke Energy's commitment to cultivating a steady talent pipeline is evidenced by their hiring of over 100 graduates from these programs between 2022 and 2025.
Key stakeholders have expressed their enthusiasm for this collaboration. Melissa Seixas, State President of Duke Energy Florida, emphasized the critical role lineworkers play in community power supply and the importance of this partnership in creating rewarding career paths. Leaders from the participating colleges echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the financial assistance enables students to overcome barriers to education and enter high-wage careers that significantly impact their communities.
In essence, this initiative not only addresses the immediate need for skilled labor in the energy sector but also positively influences local economies by empowering students and creating lasting career opportunities. Duke Energy’s investment reflects a broader commitment to workforce development and community sustainability, essential elements for powering Florida's future.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Duke Energy's recent partnership with several Florida colleges to train future electrical lineworkers is a strategic move that not only addresses workforce shortages in the energy sector but also enhances the company's long-term operational stability. As consumer demand for energy grows and infrastructure aged, Duke's investment in education equips a new generation with essential skills, thereby creating a sustainable talent pipeline.
Investors should find this initiative encouraging, especially given the projected 7% growth in electrical lineworker employment over the next decade, as highlighted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth underscores the increasing need for skilled labor in the energy sector, and Duke’s proactive approach positions it favorably amidst looming labor shortages.
Moreover, the financial support provided—$50,000 to each partnering college—represents both a commitment to corporate social responsibility and a strategic investment in workforce development. This funding not only alleviates financial barriers for students but also fosters economic growth within communities where Duke operates.
From a market perspective, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) remains a robust investment. The strategic focus on workforce development aligns with broader trends in renewable energy and smart grid technologies, positioning the company as a leader in both operational efficiency and community investment. As the company continues to upgrade its infrastructure and embrace cleaner energy alternatives, investor confidence is likely to grow.
In conclusion, Duke Energy’s educational partnerships exemplify how corporate initiatives can yield long-term benefits. Investors should monitor these developments closely, as a well-trained workforce is critical for sustaining operational strength and supporting future growth in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Through the Duke Energy Foundation, Duke Energy is awarding Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College, St. Petersburg College and South Florida State College each $50,000 to support their electrical lineworker training programs.
Why it matters
- Each program provides students with industry-recognized training and skills that allow them to pursue entry-level positions at electric utilities.
- Depending on the program, training lasts between seven weeks and 18 months, helping jumpstart graduates' careers in linework.
- These programs also create a steady talent pipeline for the industry.
- Between 2022 and 2025, Duke Energy hired more than 100 program graduates.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical lineworker employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034 – much faster than the average for all occupations.
What they're saying
- Melissa Seixas, State President, Duke Energy Florida: "Lineworkers are the heart of our communities, helping keep the power flowing for our family members, friends and neighbors every single day. I'm proud of Duke Energy's partnerships with such well-respected institutions and grateful for all they do to help introduce so many men and women to what I truly believe is one of the most celebrated and rewarding career paths."
- Dr. Laura Byrd, Executive Vice President of Operations, Lake-Sumter State College / Executive Director, Lake-Sumter State College Foundation: "Lake-Sumter State College is proud to partner with Duke Energy to expand opportunities for students pursuing high-demand, high-wage careers in our region. Scholarships for the lineworker program not only remove financial barriers but also open the door to a valuable career pathway, one that equips students with the skills, confidence, and purpose to serve their communities in a vital industry. Together, we're helping create lasting, rewarding careers that power Florida's future."
- Dr. Jennifer Keefe, Director of Grants Development & Management, Seminole State College of Florida: "The Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida is once again thrilled to partner with the Duke Energy Foundation in the continued development of our lineworker program, offered through Seminole State Commits. Funding for Project POWER (Preparing Outstanding Workforce Energy Reliability) is crucial to our ability to continue to train line workers to serve the needs of our community for years to come. Our partnership with Duke Energy is a testament to both of our commitments to making our community stronger and more prepared for the challenges of the future and we are grateful for Duke Energy's ongoing support."
- Kathleen Plinske, President, Valencia College: "Valencia College's collaboration with Duke Energy spans more than two decades. We are incredibly grateful for their long-standing support, and this grant demonstrates their continued commitment to our students, enabling them to pursue high-wage careers as powerline technicians."
- Belinthia Berry, Dean of Workforce Development, St. Petersburg College: "Our partnership with Duke Energy is a powerful investment in the future of our region, creating a pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready lineworkers. Together, we are transforming lives by connecting students to industry-aligned training and high-demand career opportunities."
- Emily W. Dabolt, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, South Florida State College: "This collaboration with Duke Energy is a gamechanger for our electrical lineworker program at South Florida State College. Their investment in essential training equipment ensures our students gain real-world, hands-on experience with the same tools they'll use in their careers. Duke Energy's support directly translates to stronger workforce readiness and better employment outcomes for our students. This partnership exemplifies what's possible when industry leaders invest in the next generation of skilled professionals who will serve our community for years to come."
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at?duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on?X,?LinkedIn,?Instagram?and?Facebook, and visit illumination?for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Aly Raschid
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SOURCE Duke Energy
FAQ**
How does Duke Energy Corporation DUK plan to measure the success of its partnerships with colleges in training the next generation of lineworkers, considering the projected 7% growth in electrical lineworker employment from 2024 to 2034?
In what ways does Duke Energy Corporation DUK ensure that the skills taught in the lineworker training programs align with the industry standards and the evolving technology demands in the energy sector?
How does the partnership between Duke Energy Corporation DUK and the participating colleges impact local communities, particularly in providing economic opportunities and job readiness for graduates of the lineworker programs?
What long-term strategies does Duke Energy Corporation DUK have in place to maintain and possibly expand these educational partnerships, particularly as the demand for qualified lineworkers continues to rise?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK).
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