⚡ Lineworkers from Duke Energy brought an energetic career presentation to North Buncombe Middle School this week as part of the school’s Career Cafe series. ⚡
On Thursday, Caleb Waldrop and Coleman Higgins parked a bucket truck behind the school and spoke about the many career opportunities available in the field of power generation, construction, monitoring, and maintenance. Excited students listened closely as the men described tools of the trade, equipment, safety procedures, and more. The event was part of our district Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department’s efforts to connect industry partners with BCS students to teach them about future career opportunities.
“We’re really excited to get Duke Energy to come out to North Buncombe and several other BCS middle schools,” said BCS career development coordinator Stephanie Scott-Gaddy. “These real-life experiences will help us grow our own, demonstrating these jobs and the paths students need to take to be ready for them.”
Widespread electrical infrastructure damage and the massive rebuilding effort in the wake of Hurricane Helene added context to the visit. Most of the students have personally seen why lineworkers are so valuable and needed.
“It’s a really good way to get kids engaged with local businesses, and Duke Energy did a lot during the hurricane,” said Ely, an eighth grader. “We’re really thankful.”
“We learned a lot about what they do,” added Teaghan, another eighth grader. “I liked to see the machines they used and how they work.”
BCS has a robust CTE program throughout our district. Students have the opportunity to explore careers with career development coordinators like Ms. Gaddy or their CTE Teachers through interactive lessons, field trips, and online exploration tools. In middle and high school, students can take specialized CTE courses. In some career cluster areas, high school students can earn a professionally recognized certification in their chosen career pathway.