On Wednesday, July 20, Fayetteville Technical Community College and Cumberland County Schools joined Blue Ridge Power for the launch of the PowerUp Workforce Development Program.

The program will offer opportunities in solar power construction to high school students starting in January 2023.

"It's wonderful to be part of the Cumberland community," said Dr. Stacy Wilson with Cumberland County Schools. "These opportunities are the realization of our vision that every student will have equitable access to engaging opportunities. This is a fine example of allowing students to earn high school credit, college credit, gain valuable experiences, and be ready for the workforce."

These programs are for those who want to jump into a high-paying and fulfilling career in solar through paid internships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships. Focused on industry-leading training and support, those enrolled in the program will gain the knowledge, skills, and certifications to become successful solar technicians.

For the first four weeks, students will attend solar classes in FTCC's Continuing Education division and learn about safety, tool skills, basic electricity, and interpersonal skills that are critical for the workplace. 

For the remaining 12 weeks, FTCC will partner with Blue Ridge Power to teach students about solar construction, including how to build solar arrays. 

"The 16-week pre-apprenticeship program will provide high school students with the chance to train for a job in the fast-growing solar construction industry," said Dr. Mark Sorrells, FTCC's senior vice president for academic and student services. 

Not only is the program a good opportunity for young adults to begin their careers immediately, but also a great way to prepare students who plan to attend four-year institutions afterward. 

"This program will help me in the future because I plan on majoring in a medical field," said intern Holley Johnson. "I want to major in nursing, so as the office manager intern, I have learned how to multitask well. With going into my next chapter of life, I can handle that and not get too stressed about it." 

Johnson continued by explaining that having opportunities like this in the community will benefit someone that might not want to go to a four-year college.