Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA) reaches students for the utility construction industry by providing a Youth Apprenticeship Program in cooperation with school systems across the state, offering scholarships to students currently enrolled in construction-related majors at universities and colleges across the state.

The Apprenticeship Coordinators from each school system in the state and in cooperation with the GUCA promote the Youth Apprenticeship Program through career days at high schools across the state. Along with GUCA staff, members are encouraged to attend these career days to represent the industry and share their insights into a career in the utility construction industry.

The Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program is a brand new program developed by GUCA in cooperation with DeKalb Technical College that began on Aug. 21, 2000 with 14 high school seniors in joint enrollment. It is a two-year program currently focusing on high school juniors and seniors. The first semester began with high school seniors involved in joint enrollment with their respective high schools and DeKalb Technical College. After the first of the year, high school juniors will be added to the roster of the Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program. As the course progresses, the GUCA will target the current workforce and the underserved.

James King, DeKalb Pipeline Company Inc. said, “This program is outstanding and we have secured one of the best possible instructors in Consuelo Godden. She has experience, knowledge and a gift for teaching these students.”

This year, the GUCA Education Committee granted a total of $22,000 in scholarships to students at both Georgia Southern University and Southern Polytechnic Institute. The students are majoring in construction-related programs such as Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, and Construction Building and Contracts.

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