Albany Technical College and Powerhouse Automotive Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a three-year partnership that will expand work-based learning opportunities for students while strengthening connections between classroom instruction and the workplace.

The agreement provides apprenticeship, internship and occupation-based instruction opportunities for Albany Technical College students in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology and Accounting. Albany Technical College and Powerhouse Automotive Group will work together to ensure that participating students receive educational and workplace experiences that meet applicable state standards. Participating students may earn a living wage and/or course credit toward a degree or diploma while gaining experience in their chosen field.

“This partnership gives our students another opportunity to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it in an actual workplace,” said Dr. Emmett L. Griswold, President of Albany Technical College. “Employers need graduates who understand their field and are prepared to work effectively from day one. Partnerships like this help us connect education directly to workforce expectations while giving students valuable experience before they graduate.”

Under the agreement, Powerhouse Automotive Group will identify appropriate work experiences, designate workplace supervisors, provide assignments related to students’ occupational interests and evaluate student performance. Albany Technical College faculty will supervise the educational component, maintain communication with workplace supervisors and ensure the experience meets curriculum requirements.

Our world needs all of us to take responsibility for making it a better place for future generations. That's not just a business principle, it's a personal one. This partnership with Albany Technical College is one of the ways PowerHouse contributes to that vision.

I believe that maybe I'm late to 'change the world,' but perhaps we can inspire others to do it. By investing in Albany Tech students and giving them real opportunities to learn and grow, we're planting seeds for a future we won't fully see. These young people will lead, innovate, and build things we can't imagine yet. That's the real change. That's the legacy that matters.

PowerHouse exists to do more than sell vehicles. We're here to be a force for good in Southwest Georgia. This partnership proves that commitment."  said Fernando Arellano Geddes

Judy Jimmerson, Associate Vice President for Career Services at Albany Technical College, will coordinate the college’s responsibilities under the agreement, including student recommendations and communication with Powerhouse Automotive Group.

The agreement is effective from August 1, 2026 through August 1, 2029. The partnership is intended to give students meaningful experience in professional work settings while helping employers connect with students preparing for careers in fields important to the regional workforce.