AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Every college likes to keep things fresh by offering new programs on their campuses. The newest one at Amarillo College is a power utility workers program. Amarillo College tells Pronews 7 in a few years, 25% of the workforce in power utilities will retire, opening up 300 to 400 jobs. Because of that, starting this fall AC will offer that power utility workers certificate program. College officials presented their plans to the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation Tuesday, hoping it would grant AC more than $900,000 to maintain a lab and equipment. Students would need to complete 43 hours in the course of 18 months, and that includes a paid internship.
"We have developed a program with corporation from the local industry and utility companies in our region to develop a 43 hour certificate program for students to come in and over a course of 18 months receive a certificate and training to go to work," Dr. Shawn Fouts, Amarillo College Dean of Career and Technical Education.
"This is an opportunity to create high paying careers where a student can actually stay within this region of the country. Our industry recognizes that and so they've become great partners to create opportunities for hundreds of students to obtain this training, go to work, make solid careers and build their families," said Dr. Fouts.
If you're interested in enrolling in the program, call Amarillo College at 371-5000 because there are several requirements you have to meet. The AEDC Tuesday did not take action on the college program. But it did approve expanding one local business by opening up 30 new positions at American General Life.
