City Manager Chris White, recently participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) Training Institute in Forsyth, Georgia. According to White, who serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, the facility is a milestone achievement for ECG, reflecting its commitment to workforce development, innovation, and the future of public power.
The 12,000-square-foot facility will consolidate ECG’s current training sites in Newnan and Adel, enhancing efficiency and capacity to address the evolving needs of the utility industry. The institute will offer specialized training for electrical lineworkers, from entry-level apprenticeships to advanced certifications, alongside programs for interpersonal and leadership development for all utility professionals.
White says the training institute will have a lasting impact as an investment in the future of training, safety, and innovation for the public power sector. “With the current scarcity of skilled workers in the utility sector, the ECG Training Institute represents a proactive investment in developing the next generation of utility professionals,” said White. “Our Board firmly believes that through comprehensive programs and hands-on experience, the institute will foster a workforce equipped to meet today’s demands and adapt to future challenges.”
City of Thomasville Electric Distribution Superintendent Brent Alderman was an integral part of the project as a member of the training center development committee. “The work done by Brent and the entire committee provided a critical foundation for the layout and functionality of the facility,” said White. “The committee helped create an institute that will prepare Georgia’s workforce for the opportunities and challenges ahead, as energy technologies advance and the utility sector evolves.”
“I am proud to represent Thomasville as a part of a project that highlights the power of collaboration in building a stronger future together,” said White. “As a Board we value the opportunity to work alongside highly regarded utility professionals as we continue our mission of supporting and helping to strengthen the many significant business practices of our ECG member cities.”
Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Georgia’s public power communities with strategic and technical expertise. From training and safety to engineering, economic development, and marketing, ECG provides the resources members need to deliver reliable, affordable, and innovative utility services. With more than 30 years of specialized professional development experience and nationally recognized programs such as the U.S. Department of Labor Certified Apprenticeship, ECG is committed to building stronger communities, advancing workforce development, and securing the future of public power.