Nearly half of America's 400,000 electric utility workers will be eligible for retirement in the next five to 10 years, according to Carnegie Mellon University's Electricity Industry Center. With the number of skilled electrical workers down to the wire, Lanier Technical College is offering new Electric Utility Technology degree and diploma programs.

The only one of its kind in the state, the Electric Utility Technology program at Lanier Tech hopes to train students from around the state and southeast. The program currently takes 18 months to two years to complete, and qualifies graduates to fill a variety of job openings in the electric utility industry. Program classes began this fall, offering an Associate of Applied Science degree and a shorter diploma program in Electrical Utility Technology. Across the state, there are several industry positions now open including engineering technician, pre-engineering technician, substation maintenance technician, meter technician and generator technician.

Jackson EMC is a partner with Lanier Tech and pulls many of its employees from the college's list of graduates. Jim Smith, Jackson EMC vice-president of Engineering & Operations, says Lanier Tech's program will benefit Jackson EMC's job pool. "It's critical for the cooperative to fill positions with qualified candidates with specific training in the areas of distribution system design and operations."

For more information on these programs, contact the admissions department at Lanier Tech at 770-531-6333 or visit Lanier Tech online at www.laniertech.edu.