West Georgia Technical College and Georgia Power Address Manufacturing Workforce Needs Through Accelerated Training
LAGRANGE, GA – West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) has launched an Accelerated Maintenance Technician training program to help manufacturers meet an immediate need for skilled talent. The program is underway with 23 students enrolled after receiving 200 applications.
Developed by WGTC with support from Georgia Power and input from participating manufacturers, the program provides work-ready adults, with little or no manufacturing experience, an accelerated pathway into industrial maintenance careers.
“West Georgia Technical College is powered by strong partnerships, and our collaboration with Georgia Power is an outstanding example,” shares Dr. Julie Post, president of West Georgia Technical College. “This program addresses workforce needs in a unique way by providing individuals with the opportunity to gain skills at no cost, secure guaranteed employment, and follow a clear pathway into a college credit program for continued skill development; it creates a true win-win scenario that builds confidence and strengthens the workforce pipeline. We are grateful not only for Georgia Power’s investment, but also for the commitment of our manufacturing partners.”
The program was developed in response to regional workforce data and employer feedback identifying high turnover among maintenance technicians and the need for a faster, more targeted talent solution. While workforce development is not Georgia Power’s core business, the company supports this work through a dedicated team focused on helping communities and employers address critical talent needs.
This team’s work is guided by two priorities: helping individuals build stability through meaningful employment and helping customers access the skilled workforce needed to remain competitive in Georgia. Because WGTC’s Accelerated Maintenance Technician Training Program advances these priorities, partnering with the college was a natural fit. In addition to supporting program development, Georgia Power also helped offset training costs for the initial cohort to reduce barriers for participants.
“Meeting Georgia’s workforce needs requires strong partnerships between education, industry, and community stakeholders. Programs like this create pathways for individuals to build meaningful careers while helping employers access the talent they need to grow and compete,” said Jonathan King, director of education and Workforce Development at Georgia Power. “We’re proud to partner with West Georgia Technical College and local manufacturers to develop workforce solutions that strengthen both our communities and Georgia’s economy.”
The program uses a pre-apprenticeship-to-apprenticeship model to build a reliable pipeline of entry-level maintenance technicians. In the pre-apprenticeship phase, students develop foundational electrical and mechanical maintenance skills while engaging directly with participating employers. Successful completers are then hired by manufacturers and continue building skills through a structured apprenticeship. Together, the two phases are designed to prepare electrical and mechanical maintenance technicians in approximately eight months, compared with traditional pathways that may take up to 18 months.
Approximately five manufacturers have committed to hiring from the program, reinforcing the need for timely workforce solutions that address skilled training needs.
At Interface, skilled maintenance talent is critical to keeping their operations safe, reliable, and competitive according to Angela Nugent Rudny, Hurman Resources Division Leader & Business Partner. “We’re proud to participate in this training program and believe it will help create a strong pipeline of qualified talent while providing individuals with a pathway into rewarding manufacturing careers,” said Rudny. “We sincerely appreciate the valuable partnership with Georgia Power and West Georgia Technical College in developing this important workforce solution.”
At Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, they’re supporting this program because it directly aligns with their workforce needs. “As a manufacturing organization, Yamaha has a strong demand for skilled maintenance technicians across all shifts to support our processes, equipment, and operations,” said Richie Whitaker, Maintenance Manager. “Developing a pipeline of qualified technicians through this program will help strengthen our workforce while providing students with valuable skills and pathways to long-term careers. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner and collaborate with West Georgia Technical College and Georgia Power.”
For program information, visit wgtccorporatetraining@westgatech.edu or call 706-756-4613.
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.
