CFCC training benefits alumni across careers
Chuck Allen’s training at CFCC paved the way for a fulfilling and enduring career with the local power company. In 1974, he joined the workforce and, aspiring to progress beyond entry-level roles, decided to pursue further education at CFCC.
In 1974, upon Chuck Allen’s initial enrollment at CFCC, the institution was known as Cape Fear Technical Institute, situated solely on a single campus in downtown Wilmington. This was well before the construction of notable landmarks such as the Union Station Building and the Wilson Center.
At 19, Chuck landed his initial full-time role at the local power company, then known as Carolina Power & Light and today referred to as Duke Energy. He started as a Mechanical Maintenance trainee.
Eager to climb the ranks to become a machinist, Chuck decided to pursue CFCC’s Machine Shop and Theory program. He soon recognized that the specialized training provided by CFCC enabled him to advance more rapidly in his career than relying solely on on-the-job learning. Chuck’s supervisor acknowledged his drive and enthusiasm for improvement and promoted him to a machinist position upon his graduation.
“The machining class greatly impacted my career with CP&L/DUKE Energy,” Chuck commented. “I learned how to use precision instruments on many pieces of equipment, make parts that were obsolete, or repair equipment that was broken by using the lathe, shaper, and vertical drilling machines.”
INSPIRED BY A COMMUNITY EMERGENCY
Nearly twenty years later, Chuck found himself back at CFCC, this time to obtain his EMT certification. His decision stemmed from a medical emergency he witnessed at a community basketball game. No one present knew how to assist a child while awaiting emergency responders.
Determined never to feel helpless in such situations again, Chuck signed up for CFCC’s Emergency Medical Technician program. He was surprised to learn how this certification would open the door to a new career trajectory.
CAREER PIVOT
In the late 1980s, Chuck transitioned to the Brunswick Nuclear Plant in Southport, continuing his role as a machinist. A few years later, unbeknownst to Chuck, his department was undergoing a phase-out. Due to his respected and well-liked reputation among colleagues, another department leader approached Chuck, asking if he would consider joining the Fire and Rescue department.
Initially hesitant, Chuck declined due to his lack of firefighter experience. However, upon mentioning his EMT certification, the department manager promptly hired him for an EMT position. This shift to the new department proved advantageous, as his former job was phased out, leading to layoffs among his former co-workers.
“I am grateful that I completed the EMT Training before my position was phased out,” shared Chuck. “The plant requires one EMT for each shift. My EMT certification saved my job and allowed me to stay employed with Duke Energy.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT
In 2018, with over 40 years dedicated to Duke Energy, Chuck embraced retirement. Now, he has the opportunity to reignite another career passion – acting. Chuck’s acting portfolio boasts an appearance on the television show “Atlanta” and a role in the short film “Erasmus 2021.”
When not auditioning or rehearsing for upcoming roles, Chuck dedicates his time to volunteering, mainly focusing on reaching out to the youth in his former neighborhood. His goal is to inspire troubled kids, encouraging them not to give up on themselves. In a recent lecture to high school students, Chuck enthusiastically endorsed CFCC, promoting the value of education and personal perseverance.
“There is opportunity,” Chuck told the students. “Right down the road is Cape Fear Community College. It’s got everything you want. You can be an electrician, a mechanic, a plumber, a carpenter – whatever you want to be. You can make a good living, have a family, own a house, and drive a nice car. It all starts right down there at CFCC.”
To learn more about career training options at CFCC, visit CFCC’s Workforce Development .
