Partnership with Georgia's technical colleges helping bring new
professionals to field;
Company expects to hire 170
lineworkers annually in coming years
ATLANTA, April 4,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- April is designated
nationally as Lineworker Appreciation Month – a time to recognize
and celebrate the thousands of lineworkers who work around the
clock to keep the lights on for electric customers. This month,
Georgia Power is highlighting the successful, forward-thinking
collaboration between the company and Georgia's technical colleges to recruit, train
and employ the next generation of this critical workforce.
For more than a century, Georgia Power has provided high-quality
careers for Georgians as lineworkers who work every day to build,
repair and maintain the state's transmission and distribution
network providing reliable power for millions of Georgians. The
company has recently hired dozens of additional team members to
work on main transmission lines and substation construction, with
its broader power delivery team hiring approximately 700 workers a
year across various functions. In fact, Georgia Power expects to
hire around 170 lineworkers annually over the next 3-5 years to
continue serving the state. The company is known for investing in
its team members and offers a multi-year apprenticeship program for
those just entering the field, as well as continuing education for
seasoned employees to help them remain at the forefront of industry
advancements; competitive compensation; and health, welfare and
retirement benefits.
Tami Barron is senior vice
president of Distribution for Georgia Power and has worked with the
Southern Company system for decades. In her role, she leads the
teams responsible for day-to-day Distribution operations including
distribution, forestry, right-of-way work, the company's Storm
Center and storm response, ongoing grid investment projects and
more.
"Members of our line crews come from all walks of life
representing Georgia communities
where they live and work. This April, we celebrate and thank them
for what they do every day. I am proud to work with this team to
create a safe, productive, and rewarding workplace where
lineworkers are valued for their contributions in serving our
customers," said Barron. "Georgia's economy is strong and continues to
grow, and we're investing in our power grid to enhance reliability
and better serve customers. As our economy expands, the role of
lineworkers becomes increasingly significant, making it an exciting
time for individuals to join the team and contribute to building
the future of energy in the state."
The company works with technical colleges around the state to
recruit, train and help connect new, talented team members with
employment opportunities. More than 60 percent of new Georgia Power
lineworkers come from technical schools with Electrical Lineworker
Apprentice Certification (ELAC) programs. Certification through
this program offers basic line skills, a CDL license, and
on-the-ground exposure in the field. Some programs can be completed
in 8-12 weeks, and many can be completed nearly free of cost by
taking advantage of Hope Grants.
Currently participating Georgia
technical colleges include:
- Atlanta Technical College
- Coastal Pines Technical College
- Georgia Northwestern Technical
College
- North Georgia Technical
College
- South Georgia Technical College
- West Georgia Technical College
"I went through the ELAC program at Atlanta
Technical College because I knew that the traditional
college route wasn't for me," said Amarri Williams, a recently
hired lineman from Jonesboro,
Georgia. "I like that I work in a field that's dynamic and
makes a difference in people's lives. Georgia Power has recruited
me and made a commitment to my training, safety, and development in
this industry."
Georgia Power also maintains a strong working relationship with
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW),
specifically IBEW Local 84 which represents thousands of men and
women in the industry across Georgia. IBEW is a partner with the company in
education and training, with negotiated programs designed to
inspire and develop employees and members in their careers in power
delivery and other electrical fields.
"For over a hundred years, IBEW Local 84 has worked in
coordination with Georgia Power to not only organize workers into
the electrical industry, but help provide security on the job and
promote safe and reasonable methods of work," said Drew Stover, business manager of IBEW Local 84.
"We're proud of our members who help keep the lights on in this
state and stand behind them as they maintain and build the critical
infrastructure that makes daily life possible."
If you're interested in a rewarding career with Georgia Power,
visit poweringcareers.com to learn about opportunities and how to
get started.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest
electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's
premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and
Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7
million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159
counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and
affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative
generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well
as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power
focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every
day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry
leader in customer satisfaction. For more information,
visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company
on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter
(Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram
(Instagram.com/ga_power).
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SOURCE Georgia Power