The People Behind the Power: Training the Next Generation

When you flip a switch or charge your phone, it’s easy to take electricity for granted. But behind every light bulb and outlet are the people who keep power flowing – and our generation employees are at the heart of it all.

Reliable power doesn’t happen by itself – it takes dedicated people, strong training and a passion for serving our communities. And their stories show how training and development are building the next generation of energy leaders.

Learning by Doing: Savanna Lawson

Savanna Lawson always knew she wanted to work for Alabama Power. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in geology, she began in environmental compliance before moving into operations at Plant Miller. Today, she’s the fire protection system owner, responsible for keeping fire safety systems like pumps, lines and sprinklers ready 24/7.

“Being in generation is rewarding,” she says. “You realize you’re contributing to something much bigger.”

For Savanna, training and development have been essential to her career growth. In just a few years, she’s stepped into multiple new roles thanks to programs that encourage learning while on the job. Her current training allows her to deepen her expertise in fire protection while building new skills that strengthen both her career and the company.

Inspired Early: Cason Moss

For Cason Moss, the spark started early – with seeing Louie the Lightning Bug on television. Growing up in Tuscaloosa, his interest in electricity deepened through college and led him to Alabama Power, where he’s now an electrical and instrumentation apprentice at Greene County Steam Plant.

His days balance classroom lessons with hands-on work at the plant, troubleshooting equipment and applying what he’s learned. “The training programs inspire me to aim high,” he says. “I want to be the best journeyman I can be – and eventually a jack of all trades.”

For Cason, it’s more than a career path. “I don’t see my work as ‘work’ in the traditional sense,” he says. “It feels more like a calling.”

Training for the Future: Joshua Piper

Behind every success story is a strong foundation. That’s where Joshua Piper, team leader in Technical Training at Bevill State’s Tech Ed Center, comes in. His team oversees programs in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation, and welding – blending classroom theory with hands-on experience to prepare employees for journeyman qualifications.

“These programs are designed to set people up for future success,” Joshua explains. With seasoned instructors – some with nearly 40 years of field experience – apprentices gain not only technical skills but also the confidence to handle real-world challenges. The skills are transferable across plants, across roles and even across operating companies.

Powering Tomorrow

With more than 50 employees currently enrolled, our training programs are shaping the next generation of leaders who will keep electricity reliable for communities across the state.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the systems or the plants. It’s about the people behind the power – dedicated, passionate and always learning.