Durham Technical Community College will expand training opportunities for future electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians after receiving a $1 million grant from the Lowe’s Foundation.

Grant Details

The funding is part of nearly $8 million in grants awarded to 10 community and technical colleges across the country through the foundation’s Gable Grants program. Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has invested more than $60 million in skilled trades training initiatives nationwide.

Durham Tech officials said the grant will help expand electrical, HVAC, and plumbing programs in Durham and Orange counties, including bringing skilled trades instruction to the college’s growing Orange County Campus for the first time.

“This will be the first time we have brought skilled trades to the Orange County Campus…Having more learning space in a new location will bring in more students who can fill these vital roles in construction, HVAC, plumbing, and more.” – Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton

The college also plans to expand bilingual instruction, offer more Spanish-language skilled trades courses, and increase community outreach to help more people access training for high-demand careers.

Industry Impact

The investment comes as employers across the country continue to face shortages of skilled trades workers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030 if current workforce trends continue.

The Lowe’s Foundation said the grants are part of its broader commitment to train 250,000 skilled trades workers by 2035 through partnerships with community colleges and nonprofit organizations across the country.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.