In partnership with Southern Company/Georgia Power Company, Lanier Technical College received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to develop and teach programs for current and potential utility company workers.  Even though utility industry jobs generally pay high wages and provide good benefits, all types of utility companies in Northeast Georgia report a shortage of trained workers.

The $25,000 grant provides funding to build on technical/industrial programs currently taught by Lanier Technical College.  These programs prepare graduates to work in any of the following positions:  Instrumentation and Control Technician, Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice Mechanic/Fleet Mechanic, Apprentice Lineman, Coal Equipment Operator, Auxiliary Equipment Operator, and Field Service Representative.

In addition to the grant funding, Southern Company has agreed to provide $25,760 in funds, equipment, and services to aid in the development and implementation of a specially-designed course, Safety Fundamentals for the Utility Industry.  This course introduces students to the types and uses of tools used in the utility industry.

Students may enroll in any of the following programs at Lanier Technical College:  Electronics Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Machine Tool Technology or Welding and Joining Technology.  To complete the utility company training program, students must complete one of the above-listed diploma or degree programs at Lanier Technical College as well as the Safety Fundamentals for the Utility Industry course.

The program is taught at the Oakwood Campus and is open to any student who currently works in any utility company or who wants to gain the knowledge and skills needed to secure employment in any utility company.  For information on how to apply for admission, contact the Admissions Office at 770-531-6300.