Abstract

Savannah Technical College, in collaboration with regional electric power companies and Savannah State University (SSU), is developing and delivering courses in electrical utility technology to address the shortage of qualified utility technicians and mid-level technical personnel in Southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Low country. The program will include an Advanced Technician certificate track and an Associate degree track. Incorporation of emerging trends differentiates this program through instruction on Smart Grid, mini-grids, renewable energy, and utility tie-in of distributed sources. Expertise will be enlisted from industry, academia, and vocational/ technical education. Training will be integrated into existing trade and apprenticeship programs. The curriculum increases the number of well-trained, technically-current and certified electric utility technical personnel; enables electric utilities to expand and embrace emerging technology; contributes to the increase in per capita income in the service area by upgrading skills; and equips program graduates with technical knowledge that enables them to succeed in baccalaureate degree programs in electric power-related disciplines.