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Crisp County Power Commission officials presented the South Georgia Technical College Foundation with a 2000 GMC 8500 Digger Derrick truck to assist with training the next generation of electrical lineworkers enrolled in the college’s Electrical Lineworker Program.

     “We appreciate the partnership we have with the Crisp County Power Commission and their willingness to provide equipment such as this Digger Derrick truck to provide training for our Electrical Lineworker students,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford.  “This program has continued to grow and right now, there is a need in the industry and in our area for electrical lineworkers. This vehicle will allow students to train on equipment that they will see once they enter the workforce.  This is a win-win situation for the students, for South Georgia Technical College and for those who hire the graduates of this program. Partnerships like this and others are crucial to our success.  The Crisp County Power Commission is truly impacting student success at South Georgia Technical College.”

   The Crisp County Power Commission is one of more than 2,200 public power systems in the United States providing dependable and economic power to the citizens in their communities.  Crisp County Power Commission serves Crisp County including the municipalities of Cordele and Arabi.  They also own and operate Lake Blackshear, an 8,700 acre reservoir stretching 20 miles long on the Flint River which provide hydroelectric power to their customers.  Their service area covers approximately 330 square miles with an estimated population of 23,000.

   Ray Hughes, Chairman of the Crisp County Power Commission, echoed Dr. Watford’s sentiments about the partnership.  “The Crisp County Power Commission is proud to partner with South Georgia Technical College by providing this piece of equipment to assist in training our next generation of lineworkers.  The training and education that they receive will not just prepare them for a job, but a career in the utility industry and other high demand skilled labor careers throughout the state.”

    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 700 individuals have graduated and been placed in the industry since the program began.

   There is still a shortage of trained lineworkers in the electrical industry and the SGTC Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certificate Training Program is helping the industry keep up with the demand for new workers.  Successful graduates have the entry level skills 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 physical requirements and lineworker students also complete observation-based training in an industry setting.

    South Georgia Technical College has been able to offer the eight-week electrical lineworker training almost tuition free to HOPE eligible students.  The support of business and industry has also helped with scholarships and training equipment that duplicates the equipment used on the job.

    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 donating to South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu.

    South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit classes.  The college has a 99% job placement rating for graduates and offers lifetime career placement services.  Financial aid is available for qualified students.  For more information about applying to South Georgia Technical College, visit www.southgatech.edu or contact the admissions office at 229-931-2394 in Americus or 229-271-4040 in Cordele.  Summer semester will begin May 25^th and it is not too late to apply!