AMERICUS — Colquitt Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) and Diverse Power teamed up to donate and refurbish a pole trailer which was donated to the South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Foundation for the college’s electrical lineworker program recently, announced SGTC President John Watford, Ed.D.

“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 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.”

SGTC 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 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 SGTC 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 SGTC. To learn more, contact Tami Blount at 229-931-2040 or tblount@southgatech.edu.