Rivian Learning Network Programs: Investing in the Future of Electric Vehicle Technology

Rivian, an American automotive technology company focused on developing and building electric vehicles (EVs), is making significant investments in Georgia's educational landscape. These initiatives, known as Rivian Learning Network Programs, aim to cultivate the next generation of engineers and technicians needed to support the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry. Rivian’s commitment extends beyond building factories; it involves actively shaping the workforce through strategic partnerships and educational programs.

Strategic Educational Partnerships Across Georgia

Rivian has established five education partnerships and sponsorships across Georgia, all centered on technical training and emerging technologies. This initiative represents a financial commitment of at least $330,000 and underscores Rivian's dedication to fostering talent within the state. These partnerships include collaborations with:

The University of Georgia (UGA)
Georgia Tech
Piedmont Technical College
Fort Benning
The annual state science and engineering fair

These collaborations are designed to support the development of skills and knowledge necessary for the future of the automotive industry, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles.

University of Georgia (UGA) Partnership

Rivian's partnership with the UGA College of Engineering includes a $150,000 pledge. This contribution is divided into two key areas:

Capstone Design Program Sponsorship: Rivian is sponsoring UGA's Capstone Design program with $75,000 in funding. Beginning in Fall Semester 2026, qualifying Capstone Design teams will have the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of Rivian judges. The top three teams will receive additional funding to continue their projects.
Scholarship Endowment: The remaining $75,000 of the pledge goes toward a scholarship endowment, which the UGA Foundation will match.

This partnership aims to provide students with hands-on experience, encourage innovation, and solve real-world problems related to electric vehicle technology. Alessandro Orso, UGA College of Engineering dean, emphasized that this partnership opens new doors for students to learn by doing, innovating, and solving real-world problems. Rivian has pledged $75,000 to a scholarship endowment with additional matching funds from the UGA Foundation. “We are delighted to join UGA in announcing this novel partnership designed to help prepare talented young engineers for the careers of tomorrow,” said Javier Varela Rivian’s chief operating officer.

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Georgia Tech Partnership: Rivian Scholars Program

Rivian's $150,000 contribution to Georgia Tech supports the creation of the first Rivian Scholars program. Beginning in 2026, Rivian and Georgia Tech will identify potential scholarship recipients in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Eligible students will be in their third year and will have their tuition costs partially funded by the scholarship. This program will award scholarships to students in the institute's schools focused on mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

The Rivian Scholars program aims to provide financial support and hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world innovation. Raheem Beyah, Georgia Tech’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, highlighted that the program will provide students with financial support and hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world innovation. The company will initially support the program with a contribution of $150,000. Rivian and Georgia Tech will work together to identify potential scholarship recipients in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Eligible awardees will be selected from the junior class. “The incredible depth of science and engineering talent in Georgia was hugely influential in our decision to build our next manufacturing home here,” said Rivian Chief Operations Officer Javier Varela in a release.

Piedmont Technical College: Rivian Technical Trades Program

Piedmont Technical College will launch the Rivian Technical Trades Program in early 2026, which will train and develop entry-level technicians. The program will integrate Rivian learning models into its Automotive Service Excellence standard accredited curriculum, intending to prepare potential workers for jobs in Rivian’s service and repair facilities. Rivian also plans to provide specialized technical training for the college’s instructors at the Rivian facility free of charge.

This program is designed to support the training and development of entry-level technicians for Rivian’s service and repair facilities. Scott Griffin, Rivian chief people officer, expressed excitement about formally launching the Rivian Technical Trades Program with Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Dr. Taverez Holston, GPTC president, emphasized that Rivian’s investment gives students access to advanced training, industry expertise, and a clear pathway into high-demand careers. He noted that this kind of opportunity changes lives, strengthens families, lifts up communities, and ensures that the next generation of Georgia’s workforce will be skilled and ready to lead. Restoration Storehouse Center in Conyers will play a role in the development of the Electric Vehicle Technician program, with support from the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council.

Fort Benning: Rivian Technical Trades Program for Veterans

Next year, Rivian is launching the Rivian Technical Trades Program at Fort Benning, a 15-week training program for veterans to transition out of military service toward EV service and maintenance careers. Graduates will be offered employment opportunities by Rivian upon completion, the company said.

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The Army-Designated CSP Veterans Training Empowerment Center VTEC launched the Rivian Technical Trades Program at Fort Benning. Nana Danso, director of workforce development at Rivian, said that Rivian is delighted to work with VTEC because of their shared respect for America’s servicemembers and veterans and their desire to prepare them for a career.

Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF) Sponsorship

Rivian will sponsor the 78th Georgia Science and Engineering Fair, which will take place March 26-28 at UGA. Rivian plans to begin sponsoring the event in 2026 and continue through 2028, with the 78th GSEF planned for March 2026 at the University of Georgia.

GSEF is the highest-level competition in Georgia for aspiring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students in grades six to 12, according to a press release. Rivian Director of Corporate Affairs Andrew Capezzuto noted the importance of recognizing the incredible talent and creativity of the state’s middle- and high-school students, who may one day become future Rivian employees. Brewer said that Rivian's support as an innovative, forward-thinking company underscores the value of STEM research and shows students how their work can shape the future.

Rivian's Commitment to Workforce Development

Rivian deepened its roots in Georgia by setting up scholarship programs at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), the University of Georgia (UGA) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Rivian is actively working to ensure that both the construction process and future facility meet the company’s high standards of conservation and sustainability for a cleaner, wilder future. Rivian’s just under 2,000-acre carbon-conscious campus includes abundant natural space at Stanton Springs North east of Atlanta, in Morgan and Walton counties.

Scott Griffin, Rivian chief people officer, stated that access to the best talent was a critical factor in their decision to build their next manufacturing facility in Georgia, and this is an important step in building a workforce pipeline that will serve Georgia’s advanced technology economy for years to come.

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Rivian Technical Trades Program: Addressing the Skills Gap

The Rivian Technical Trades Program is designed to help veterans transitioning out of service prepare for careers in electric vehicle service and maintenance, a release from the company says. As EVs become more a part of our daily lives, it's crucial to ensure there are enough experienced, trained professionals to handle the service and maintenance needs of these high-tech vehicles.

Nana Danso, Rivian director of workforce development, emphasized that this program is more than training - it’s about opening doors to meaningful careers, strengthening families, and building resilient communities. EV service technicians require specialized skills for working with vehicles powered by advanced software and high-voltage batteries, which require special handling.

Rivian's Georgia Expansion: Manufacturing and Headquarters

Rivian plans to produce its midsize R2 SUV and R3 crossover at the campus located outside of Social Circle, near the I-20 corridor east of Atlanta. Rivian’s Waypoints Level 2 chargers, also powered by 100% renewable energy, are located near popular destinations to allow for charging while exploring Georgia.

The company announced the establishment of its Georgia headquarters in Midtown Atlanta earlier this year. At the Grand Opening of its Spaces location near the Beltline at Ponce City Market, Rivian showcased its progress on its future Georgia manufacturing facility and upcoming milestones. The new spaces location gives visitors the opportunity to connect with the Rivian brand, get up-close with its electric adventure vehicles, and learn more about the company’s plans in the Peach State.

Apprenticeships and Accelerated Training

In partnership with the Technical College System of Georgia, Rivian has welcomed the newest class of 26 to the Rivian Technical Trades Program for Stanton Springs North, Georgia. The program provides students with an accelerated 16-week foundational training program. After completing an instructional course, students receive on-the-job training and learn skills from professionals in the company’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, before returning to Georgia to deploy their expertise after graduation.

Additionally, Rivian has announced an additional apprenticeship program, recruiting an initial group to support future industrial maintenance needs at its Georgia facility through a 24-month, in-depth training period. 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.

Sustainable Construction and Environmental Commitment

Rivian is actively working to ensure that both the construction process and future facility meet the company’s high standards of conservation and sustainability for a cleaner, wilder future. Employing modern construction techniques and advanced environmental management, the nearly 2,000-acre site is elegantly integrated with the surrounding environment. For Rivian, sustainability doesn’t stop with just making EVs. It is carried throughout their work, going so far as to carefully plan construction efforts at the site to preserve and protect the beauty and uniqueness of their new home.

Following Rivian’s announced pause in construction in early 2024, actions are planned to maintain, secure, and ensure environmental compliance in agreement with the JDA and State. The State of Georgia has also agreed to ensure that this project follows locally required standards pertaining to water quality, groundwater recharge and runoff, and all local environmental ordinances. These requirements will be built into the overarching agreement between the State of Georgia, the JDA, and Rivian. Additionally, conserving buffers, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation around the site is a high priority for local partners.

Georgia's Support and Commitment

Governor Brian P. Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced on July 17, 2025, that Rivian will establish its new East Coast Headquarters in Atlanta. Georgia’s large workforce is educated, diverse, and keenly interested in technology.

Governor Brian P. Kemp stated that Rivian’s investment represents the future of automotive manufacturing and establishes the leading role the Peach State will play in this booming industry for generations to come. He highlighted Georgia’s Quick Start workforce training resources, world-class higher education institutions, and statewide logistics infrastructure assets are prepared to meet Rivian’s production and R&D needs. The state’s commitment related to the Rivian site included putting processes put into place to allow area residents and stakeholders a strong voice in the planning process.

Future Outlook and Employment Opportunities

Construction is expected to begin in 2026. Rivian plans to create 7,500 jobs by 2030, in addition to 2,000 construction jobs. Open job postings in Georgia are available at www.rivian.com/careers.

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