Gateway Community & Technical College received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy
Foundation to help create more powerful communities in the Northern Kentucky area
through the college’s Lineworker Technician Certificate Program, Northern Kentucky’s
only16-week lineworker training program.
The line technician program was developed and launched in 2020 to address the local
labor shortage in the field. Close to 50 students have already earned their line tech
certificate since the Spring of 2020 and obtained employment. The college has seen
a steady enrollment increase in the lineworker program since its launch.
Students who complete the accelerated program and earn their certificate can advance
into the field with the skills, knowledge, safe work practices and physical ability
required to become a line technician apprentice.
Dr. Fernando Figueroa, President of Gateway Community & Technical College said, “Duke
Energy’s continuous generosity, partnership, and support of Gateway is only one example
of their overall commitment to the Northern Kentucky community and to its people,
especially those who look to upskill and contribute to the economic vitality of this
region. Because of the Duke Energy Foundation's dedication to our region, Gateway’s
lineworker program and the Northern Kentucky community will flourish and greatly benefit
from the impact of this grant for many years to come.”
“We’ve enjoyed a long history of supporting Gateway Community & Technical College.
Its lineworker apprentice program is instrumental in developing and retaining critical
talent in our region.,” said Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky.
Gateway’s line technician program was one of 22 workforce development programs to
receive a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation on June 3rd, 2022. The grants awarded
will support access to training and job skills programs for the region’s workforce.
The foundation has distributed more than $755,000 to local organizations for workforce
development in past five years.
The Duke Energy Foundation’s Powerful Communities program makes strategic investments
to build powerful communities where our natural resources thrive, students can excel,
and a talented workforce drives economic prosperity for all. The Foundation annually
funds more than $30 million to communities throughout Duke Energy's seven-state service
area.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities
where Duke Energy’s customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than
$30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder
dollars. More information about the foundation and its Powerful Communities program
can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
