Colquitt Electric Membership Corporation and Diverse Power teamed up to donate and refurbish a pole trailer to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation for the college’s Electrical Lineworker program recently, announced SGTC President Dr. John Watford.
“South Georgia Technical College appreciates the partnerships that we have created with business and industry around the state and throughout the Southeastern United States,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “This donation to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation is a great example of how SGTC and industries can work together to provide the workforce development and training needs of tomorrow.”
South Georgia Technical College created the Electrical Lineworker Apprenticeship Course in 2005 in partnership with several power companies as a direct response to regional utility company workforce demands. Over 500 individuals have graduated and been placed in the industry since the program began.
There was a shortage of trained lineworkers in the electrical industry and the SGTC Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certificate Training Program has helped the industry keep up with the demand for new workers. Successful graduates have the entry level skills that the regional power utility companies are seeking. Training includes proper use of lineworker tools, lineworker simulation, power industrial truck operation and electrical safety. There are also physical requirements. Lineworker students also complete observation-based training in an industry setting.
Colquitt Electric EMC donated the pole trailer for the SGTC Electrical Lineworker students to use when earning a Class B CDL license to drive the work trucks and trailers. Diverse Power refurbished and painted the trailer. “We appreciate the support that we received from the regional utility companies,” said South Georgia Technical College Vice President of Economic Development Wally Summers. “By working together we can insure that we produce a quality graduate that is ready to enter the workforce.”
Admission requirements for the eight-week program include: 18 years of age, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver’s license as well as the enrollment requirements of South Georgia Technical College. To learn more about enrolling in the Electrical Lineworker Program contact Tami Blount at 229-931-2040 or tblount@southgatech.edu.
For more information about making a donation to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, contact Su Ann Bird, Executive Director of the SGTC Foundation at P.O. Box 6102, Americus, GA 31709 or 229-931-2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu