Georgia Power’s Lisa Jarrard is chairman of the Chamber’s Quality Education Strategy Team (QuEST) Council and also represents the company in Partners in Education (her office is a partner with East Hall High and Gainesville Elementary School). Jarrard’s 12 years with Georgia Power include positions in marketing, accounting and, most recently, customer service.
“Programs like QuEST and Partners in Education are valuable to our community because, while schools may need monetary support, the children and youth of our community need our time and involvement,” Jarrard said. “As a Georgia Power representative, I have seen the value of QuEST in helping us find qualified candidates for customer service and technical positions.”
In her work with QuEST, Jarrard is currently assisting schools in finding internships for students in such fields as graphic arts, drafting, culinary arts and allied medical fields.
“I have two children who attend Spout Springs Elementary. The programs I am involved with give me an opportunity to be involved and know that what I am doing is making a difference,” Jarrard said.
Since QuEST’s inception in 1995, some 300 Gainesville and Hall County high school and college students have worked as apprentices in more than 50 area businesses.
These apprenticeships are providing jobs and training for students to earn money while learning valuable skills. In addition, the program benefits businesses by exposing them to motivated, potential full-time employees in a tight labor market.