Duke Energy awards money to BCCC

Published 7:50 pm Friday, April 8, 2016

BCCC NEW FUNDS: Millie Chalk from the Duke Energy Foundation awards a check for $221,111 to welding and mechanical engineering program coordinator Ted Clayton and President Barbara Tansey. (Back left to right) Also present were Vice President Jay Sullivan, grant writer Julie Crippen, Dean Ben Morris, Board of Trustees Chair Laura Staton and Vice President Crystal Ange.

BCCC
NEW FUNDS: Millie Chalk from the Duke Energy Foundation awards a check for $221,111 to welding and mechanical engineering program coordinator Ted Clayton and President Barbara Tansey. Also present were Vice President Jay Sullivan, grant writer Julie Crippen, Dean Ben Morris, Board of Trustees Chair Laura Staton and Vice President Crystal Ange.

From Duke Energy 

Duke Energy and Beaufort County Community College announced a $221,000 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation on April 5. The funds will be used to replace an out-of-date plasma cutter and a press brake.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 N.C. Community Foundation. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, N.C. Community College System and N.C. Department of Commerce.