Durham Tech receives $1 million grant to support training for trades jobs

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Durham Technical Community College received a $1 million grant to support training for trades jobs, officials said.

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According to Durham Tech officials, the Lowe’s Foundation announced nearly $8 million in Gable Grants to 10 community and technical colleges in the nation, including Durham Tech.

“Over the past three years, the Lowe’s Foundation has built a national flywheel that is connecting educators, workforce organizations and community partners and strengthening the skilled trades workforce,” Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and president and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation, said in a news release.

Durham Tech officials said they will use the $1 million grant to expand electrical, HVAC and plumbing training across Durham and Orange counties and expand bilingual instruction, Spanish-language trades courses, and community-based outreach.

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“Funding is just one part of the equation,” Dupré said. “Our greatest impact comes from bringing the entire ecosystem together. We are proud to help lead this collaborative model, to train and develop skills trade professionals to serve across multiple industries and companies.”

According to Durham Tech President J. B. Buxton, the $1 million will create learning opportunities for students. He noted new opportunities at the Orange County campus, which is undergoing expansion.

“This will be the first time we have brought skilled trades to the Orange County Campus,” Buxton said in a statement. “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.”

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