American all-electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian today announced the launch of a new apprenticeship program to support the development of trained staff at its future manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North, Georgia.

The program will recruit an initial group to support future industrial maintenance needs through a 24-month, in-depth training period. Local Georgia community colleges are able to accelerate in-person learning for 24 weeks, after which all apprentices will travel to Rivian’s plant in Normal, Illinois for 12-18 months of on-the-job training, a requirement of the apprenticeship program.

Program tuition will be covered by the State of Georgia’s HOPE Grants, with incremental expenses (textbooks, materials, etc.) paid for by Rivian. Throughout the program duration, all participants will be paid employees as maintenance technicians for Rivian. Upon completion of the program, the graduated apprentices will relocate to Stanton Springs North to support production and operations at Rivian’s future facility.

“We’re excited to launch this apprenticeship program as an important milestone toward launching our R2 manufacturing plant in Georgia,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “Critical for the launch of this facility is to establish a pipeline of talent that will help us hit the ground running once the facility is operational.”

“I am always proud to support companies who come to Georgia because of our great business environment,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I think it is important for the state to partner with companies like Rivian to create critical job opportunities through initiatives like the apprenticeship program.”

Rivian’s Stanton Springs North site, near the City of Social Circle, will be constructed in multiple phases and will employ 7,500 people by 2030. Rivian will continue to scale its recruiting efforts in the Peach State as it approaches vertical construction and prepares for facility operations thereafter.