ALBEMARLE, N.C. – Stanly Community College is expanding skilled-trades training in plumbing and electrical systems with help from a $375,000 Golden LEAF Foundation grant as the college responds to regional labor shortages.
Golden LEAF said the grant supports the launch of a new plumbing program and expansion of Electrical Systems Technology, including one year of salaries for full-time plumbing and electrical instructors along with instructional hardware and equipment. The electrical program launched in fall 2025, and the college hired a full-time electrical instructor in February 2026. A soft launch of the plumbing program is planned for this fall.
The workforce push is housed in Stanly Community College’s new trades facility in Albemarle. The college says the 31,600-square-foot building represents a $12 million investment and that classes are underway. Its trades offerings include plumbing, electrical systems, welding, HVAC, machining and other technical programs.
Golden LEAF said the expansion followed labor-market concerns identified by college officials and the Stanly County Home Builders Association, including an aging skilled-trades workforce and elevated demand for electricians and plumbers.
The grant-supported programs are intended to prepare students for entry-level construction and trades jobs while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline for employers.