The City of Washington held an informational session on Thursday, March 4, regarding the upcoming energy industry workforce needs of the CSRA. A diverse group of community leaders and educators listened while Electric Cities of Georgia, MEAG Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, The Shaw Group, and Southern Nuclear laid out the details of the expansion at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro— presumably the first new nuclear units to be built in 30 years-- and the plans for the new Oglethorpe Power Biomass Generating facility to be built in Warrenton.

The Shaw Group and Southern Nuclear, the construction and operating companies involved with Plant Vogtle, spoke about the job opportunities associated with the construction of the additional two nuclear units, as well as the jobs associated with the four units once Vogtle construction is complete.

There was an emphasis on prehire qualifications, skill sets, and regional training opportunities for a career in energy.

“The goal of this session,” explained Washington Mayor Willie Burns, “was to find ways for our city to work together with those in the power industry to build the energy workforce of the future and to make certain that we are aware of the job opportunities and economic growth these new projects are bringing to our city and to our citizens.”