Governor Stein Visits CCC’s Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy
- Staff Reports
- 5 hours ago
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Staff Reports | Cleveland Community College
SHELBY, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein visited Cleveland Community College on July 13 to tour the Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy, one of only 12 academies being hosted on community college campuses across the state this summer.
The governor's visit spotlighted the innovative workforce development program, which provides local high school students with hands-on training and direct pathways into high-demand electrical careers.
“We are honored to have Governor Stein visit our campus,” said CCC President Jason Hurst. “It is exciting to be recognized for our efforts to help local high school students discover rewarding careers in high-wage, high-demand fields such as electrical technology. Programs like this are helping to build the skilled workforce our region and state need for the future.”
Following a competitive application process, CCC selected 18 students representing all five Cleveland County high schools as well as Pinnacle Classical Academy to participate in the academy.
The eight-week program immerses students in practical electrical systems technology training. Participants are gaining experience in residential wiring, motors and controls, and other foundational electrical skills while earning college credit and a pre-apprenticeship certificate. Each student will also receive a $2,000 completion stipend.
Among the participants is Bryanna Veliz, a rising senior at Shelby High School, who was selected to represent her classmates during a press conference held as part of the governor's visit. Through the Career and College Promise program, Veliz has already taken classes in the Electrical Technology program at CCC. That experience helped her realize this is a career she wants to pursue, and when she learned about the academy, she knew it was an opportunity she did not want to miss.
“My grades in school have not always been where I wanted them to be, but I also knew that hands-on learning is where I do my best,” Veliz said. “I knew this academy could give me the kind of experience I needed.”
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During her remarks, Veliz spoke about her father, a business owner in construction and renovation, who inspired her interest in the trades. Having worked alongside him since she was old enough to hold tools, she developed a passion for hands-on work at an early age.
“He wants me to go to school to learn, not just learn from him,” Veliz said. “Being part of this academy has been a great experience. I have been able to try different things, build confidence and learn skills that will help me in the future.”
Veliz plans to continue her education at CCC after graduating from high school. She also plans to obtain her electrician’s license. Her long-term goal is to work alongside her father and eventually take over the company when he retires.
The Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy is part of a national initiative designed to expand awareness of and access to careers in the electrical industry. North Carolina is the first state to implement Careers Electric, supported by a combined $10.5 million investment by Siemens Foundation and ABB, along with other contributing partners. The initiative aims to help train 25,000 workers for electrical careers over the next decade.
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This is a press release from Cleveland Community College.
This is a press release from CCC.
The Shelby Independent.