EARLY CAREERS
POWER UP YOUR FUTURE
Imagine being part of something bigger than yourself, where your work plays a crucial role in keeping the lights on for families and businesses across Georgia. With our Early Career Programs, you will help provide the electricity that Georgians rely on every day to make essential parts of their daily life possible. And as a cooperative that operates on a not-for-profit basis, Oglethorpe Power prioritizes giving back to the communities where we operate and keeping costs low for our member EMCs and the consumers they serve. If you’re ready to embark on a career path that combines purpose with professional growth and helps provide a secure future, then your journey begins with us.
Electrify your skills and learn about our Early Career Programs below.
Plant Operations Apprenticeship Program
Plant Operations Apprentices are full-time employees who are eligible for comprehensive Oglethorpe Power benefits. In addition to onsite training at one of our energy facilities, apprentices will complete relevant instruction at their nearest technical college within the Technical College System of Georgia, with tuition reimbursement from Oglethorpe Power. Upon graduation, each apprentice will receive an Industrial System Technology Diploma.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, Apprentices will learn to perform operator rounds, plus troubleshoot and maintain plant systems and equipment to ensure safe, efficient and reliable plant operations. Additionally, apprentices will gain a deep understanding of the safety, environmental and corporate protocols for compliance and governmental regulations of power plants. Apprentices are responsible for working towards the completion of all requirements of a power plant operator listed in the Department of Labor.
Candidates should have the aptitude to learn and understand the mechanical and electrical concepts necessary to generate electricity. The best candidates will be curious about the details and inner workings of operational systems and equipment. Strong candidates will have a solid work ethic, embrace challenges with a positive attitude and thrive in a team environment.
This is a four-year program. Upon graduating, apprentices are promoted to either a Production Technician I or an Assistant Combustion Turbine Technician position, depending on their assigned full-time location. Apprentices may also be transferred to other Oglethorpe Power facilities based on need.
We offer spring and fall cohorts for our apprenticeship program. Search for available positions here.
Internship Program
Our Internship Program is a paid opportunity designed for high school and college students interested in a future in the power generation and energy industry. You’ll work hands-on alongside experienced industry professionals, developing essential technical and professional skills. It’s an ideal first step into the energy world, designed to inspire students to pursue advanced education and a rewarding career in the power sector.
Interns will gain real-world experience by engaging in hands-on projects related to power generation, either at our Tucker headquarters or one of our energy facilities. You’ll be immersed in day-today operations at Oglethorpe Power and work on tasks that involve supporting generation, learning about energy efficiency and understanding safety practices. Mentorship from seasoned professionals will give you a behind-the-scenes view of the industry and the chance to develop practical skills in a high-demand field.
Interns can work up to 30 hours per week, with schedules that balance work and academic commitments. Internships last up to 12 months and may continue through the school year, allowing students to gain steady, in-depth experience.
To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in high school or an accredited college degree program.
- Provide verification of current enrollment status and academic classification from their educational institution.
- Be of an age that complies with all federal, state and local laws governing minor employment.
- Maintain our minimum GPA requirements.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Search for available positions here.
Co-op Student Program
This program is a paid opportunity for undergraduate students at accredited colleges to gain real-world experience in the electric power industry. You’ll work hands-on alongside experienced industry professionals, developing essential technical and professional skills. The program prepares students for careers in energy and power systems and offers an inside perspective on available paths within our electric cooperative network across Georgia.
The Co-op Student Program provides a dynamic learning experience through three alternating work and school rotations. Each rotation includes a semester dedicated to full-time work at Oglethorpe Power, followed by a semester of full-time classes at your university or college. This structure allows you to gain practical experience while continuing your education.
You can complete the entire Co-op Student Program within approximately two to three years. This time frame is ideal for balancing hands-on work experience with academic studies, giving you the best of both worlds as you prepare for your future career.
To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university, with proof of enrollment and academic standing.
- Meet federal, state or local employment age requirements.
- Maintain our minimum GPA requirements.
- Meet any specific qualifications for the co-op position the hiring department outlines.
- Be available for up to 40 hours per week each semester.
- Be eligible to work in the United States.
Search for available positions here.