How a Georgia Power Workforce Program Bet on Atlanta’s Westside

Georgia Power, Southern Company, Groundswell, the City of Atlanta, and Vicars Community Center ran a ten-week job training program on Atlanta's westside, part of a larger effort called the Westside Resilience Corridor that aims to bring energy resilience and economic opportunity to the area. The program targeted residents who were underserved, underrepresented, or underemployed, teaching electrical and energy basics, construction skills, solar fundamentals, and job-readiness skills like resume writing and interviews.

More than 90 people applied, 22 were selected, and 20 finished the program. Organizers covered practical barriers to attendance, including hot meals, food to take home, rideshare rides, childcare, and stipends. A month after graduation, 16 of the 20 graduates were employed or enrolled in further training, in fields ranging from supply chain and HR to skilled trades, construction, and energy efficiency work. One graduate now works as an energy assessor for a utility services firm near where he grew up.

For homeowners, this isn't a program you sign up for directly, but it points to something worth knowing: utilities like Georgia Power are investing in local training pipelines for energy-related trades, including construction, electrical work, and energy efficiency assessments. That can matter down the road if it means more trained local workers available for home energy upgrades and audits. Organizers say they hope to run a second training cohort and are considering a hiring fair for the roughly 70 applicants not selected the first time.