Albany Technical College, South Georgia Technical College and Georgia Power gathered Tuesday, September 1, at Albany Technical College to announce a regional workforce partnership designed to expand access to electrical lineworker training in the Albany area and to recognize Georgia Power's donation of two vans supporting the effort.

The partnership brings together Albany Technical College and South Georgia Technical College to expand regional access to South Georgia Tech's established Electrical Lineworker program. Albany Tech will serve as a regional partner and access point, while South Georgia Tech will provide its established program and specialized training. The colleges will continue coordinating program delivery and student-support procedures as the partnership moves forward.

Georgia Power donated two vans in support of the initiative. One was presented to South Georgia Technical College to support transportation and access associated with the regional training partnership. The second was presented to the Albany Technical College Foundation to support VECTR Center outreach, recruitment and related military-connected workforce efforts.

“This partnership expands access to high-demand career opportunities while showing what is possible when technical colleges, industry and community partners work together. It also strengthens the foundation for Albany Tech’s developing VECTR Center as we create more pathways for veterans, transitioning service members and military families to connect with education, training and employment opportunities,” said Dr. Emmett L. Griswold, president of Albany Technical College.

The partnership is intended to create a clearer regional pathway for prospective students interested in electrical lineworker careers while allowing each college to contribute resources and expertise. Albany Technical College and South Georgia Technical College will provide additional information about enrollment, program participation and student support as implementation details are finalized.

“South Georgia Technical College is pleased to partner with Albany Tech and Georgia Power to provide this great opportunity to our veterans exiting the military. The Electric Lineworker Program dovetails nicely with the requirements of SkillBridge and the efforts to prepare those individuals for the civilian workforce. SGTC has enjoyed nearly two decades of success with the Electric Lineworker Program and we are excited to embark on this new chapter in furthering the economy of Georgia through workforce training,” said Dr. John Watford, president of South Georgia Technical College.

The collaboration expands the reach of South Georgia Tech's established Electrical Lineworker program and connects the Albany area to specialized training and workforce opportunities. Georgia Power's donated transportation will support the broader effort to improve access for participants across the region.

“At Georgia Power, we understand that strong communities and a strong economy depend on a skilled, prepared workforce. We are proud to support the partnership between Albany Technical College and South Georgia Technical College by donating these passenger vans, which will help remove transportation barriers and expand access to education, training, and career opportunities across Southwest Georgia.

This collaboration represents the kind of investment needed to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers, including the next generation of electrical professionals who will help power Georgia’s future. We are especially excited about the development of the VECTR Center in Albany and the opportunities it will create for transitioning service members, veterans, and military families.

By connecting military-connected talent with education and workforce training for high-demand careers, including electrical line work, this partnership strengthens the connection between industry, education, economic development, and military service. Georgia Power is honored to support these efforts and help create meaningful opportunities for individuals, employers, and communities throughout Southwest Georgia,” saidDon Porter, Albany Area Manager for Georgia Power Company.

The Albany Technical College van will also support the college’s VECTR Center work serving veterans, transitioning service members, military families and other prospective students. The initiative is part of a broader regional collaboration involving Georgia Power, Albany Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, and workforce and economic development partners throughout Southwest Georgia.

The September 1 event was held outside the Logistics Education Center on the Albany Technical College campus and included remarks from partner organizations, invited regional leaders, a ceremonial presentation and photographs with the donated vans.