Access Magazine Winter 2019

WINTER 2019

Ambulance Simulation

Creates Real World

Environment

For Students p.6

+

more...

Evolution of

Industry Prompts

Name Change A Trip To

p.2

Ireland

was more than

a Blaa Experience ÂŽ

p.12

33 Degrees Offered Spring 2019

6 NEW Degrees Introduced

Albany Technical College recognizes the needs of the everchanging workforce. This growing commitment to meet these needs has opened opportunities for students in six programs. Thirty-three associate degrees are offered once a student has reached the diploma level. What’s even more exciting is you might be exempt from admission testing if you pursue the degree option.

NEW - Test Exemption Policy Students who have successfully completed a technical certificate of credit or diploma program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher within five years of their admission request will be exempt from admission testing for the next advanced level within the program group family.

For additional information contact the Admissions office at admissions@albanytech.edu or 229-430-5281.

DEGREES OFFERED SPRING 2019 Accounting Advance Imaging* Business Technology Ecommerce* Business Healthcare Fire & Emergency Service* Business Logistics Precision Manufacturing* Business Management Civil Engineering Technology Computer Programming Computer Support Specialist Criminal Justice Technology Culinary Arts Cyber Crime Investigation Cybersecurity Design and Media Production Technology Early Childhood Care and Education Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Electronics Technology Electromechanical Engineering Technology Engineering Graphics (formerly Drafting) Environmental Horticulture* Fire Science Technology Health Information Technology Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Interdisciplinary Studies

Marketing Management Medical Assisting Mechatronics Networking Specialist Nursing Operations Management Paramedicine Pharmacy Technology Radiologic Technology Surgical Technology* DIPLOMAS OFFERED SPRING 2019 Accounting Air Conditioning Technology Auto Collision Repair Automotive Fundamentals Automotive Technology Building Maintenance Business Technology Business Healthcare Technology Business Logistics Management Business Management Carpentry NCCER Computer Programming Computer Support Specialist Cosmetology Criminal Justice Technology Culinary Arts Convergent Telecommunications Technology

Cybersecurity Design and Media Production Technology Dental Assisting Diesel Equipment Technology Drafting Early Childhood Care and Education Electrical Construction Electronics Fundamentals Electronics Technology EMS Professions Environmental Horticulture Fire Science Technology Firefighter/EMSP Health Information Coding Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Industrial Electrical Marketing Management Masonry Medical Assisting Mechatronics Networking Specialist Paramedicine Pharmacy Technology Plumbing NCCER Practical Nursing Professional Firefighter Welding & Joining Technology *New degree program

WELCOME

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01 ®

Welcome to the latest issue of ACCESS! Understanding local and regional employers and developing solutions for workforce needs has always been a priority for me, as well as the faculty and staff at Albany Technical College.

In this edition of Access, you will see that we have redoubled our efforts and are laser-focused on this priority.

We highlight our very capable staff and the opportunities that abound here at the college.

The current knowledge-based economy is a dynamic and everchanging environment. In the coming years, employment projections for certain artisans and technicians in Southwest Georgia will be extremely hard to meet with qualified and trained graduates without the entire community working together.

and 45 to re-tool their skills and step up to the jobs of tomorrow.

The community will need to help convince adults to be ready for the job market potential over the next 10 years. Associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit will all be steps in that direction with higher pay and health benefits for workers. A robust local economy depends on a skilled and educated workforce.

Albany Tech has added 18 technical certificates for students who previously could not be admitted to our diploma or degree programs.

These programs are part of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s HOPE Career Grant program. This means that for eligible students 100% of tuition and fees are paid through the initiative.

How do we get there? We will, of course, need high school students to successfully complete a postsecondary education program of study. But that alone will not answer the job demand of local employers. We will need to encourage some adults to get their GED and move on to higher education and job training. We will also have to encourage other Dr. Anthony O. Parker adults between ages 20 President

As you read the winter edition of Access magazine, please keep regional workforce development in mind.

There are so many great stories to tell at Albany Technical College. I hope you enjoy reading this publication and learn more about Albany Tech through the feature articles.

FEATURE STORIES

Read insights about the following programs at Albany Tech.

Edrian Mallory

Department Chair, Engineering Graphics

Tracy Naylor-Griffin

Department Chair, Paramedicine

Todd White

Department Chair, Culinary Arts

Follow us online 02 Feature Story WINTER 2019

Ambulance Simulation

Creates Real World

Environment For Students p.6

+

10 Insights

Generous Donation

04 Insights

12 Feature Story

06 Cover Story

16 Insights

New Demands in the Trucking Industry

Culinary Study Abroad

more...

Evolution of

Industry Prompts

Name Change A Trip To

p.2

Ireland

was more than

a Blaa Experience ®

Drafting Technology Programrenamed

p.12

New Ambulance Simulation

Healthcare Opportunities

ACCESS is a news magazine published by the Marketing and Public Relations Office at Albany Technical College.

Send inquiries to publicrelations@albanytech.edu

02

Winter 2019

FEATURE

Drafting Technology is now Engineering Graphics. The advancements in technology in this field have contributed to this change.

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or & ent Inv esk ge. tod le A u l Col ng ca usi hni ned y Tec sig de Alban t ver co 18 a Z tic the rBot e ros a p M ak of d an pe oty Bot+ r rot d p Make ale sc duc pro

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Drafting Technology Program to be renamed in January 2019

b ed

A New Name A NEW VISION

I

t is never an insult to be called a geek if you love what you do. At least that is the opinion of Edrian Mallory. “Anything that is design related; architectural, engineering, mechanical, fashion, it really doesn’t matter, I am really intrigued and find myself geeking out. The advancements in technology with regards to design are what really, really make me fall in love with my profession over and over again,” Mallory states with beaming excitement.

Her path to the field of drafting began in high school and eventually led her to Albany Technical College’s drafting program in 2009. After graduating from the program in 2012 with two specialist degrees, architectural and mechanical drafting, Mallory continued her drafting passion by working for a local interior design company as well as freelance designing, which she currently continues to do. Eventually, Mallory found herself being pursued by the Dougherty County School System. “I didn’t choose to go into teaching, teaching chose me. I was approached by the Dougherty County School System and was encouraged to apply because they knew I was a graduate of the Drafting Technology program at Albany Technical College.

I became a drafting teacher at Monroe High School and soon realized that I was going to need to be creative to keep the high school student entertained. Because I have an arts and crafts background, I was able to tie that in with technology to teach the curriculum in a way that I hoped would make light bulbs turn on for my students.”

In 2017, opportunity knocked by way of Albany Technical College and Mallory became the drafting program instructor and chair bringing her continued zeal for the field she loves. When asked to define what drafting is all about, Mallory succinctly states “communication.” From her perspective, “drafting technology is taking a concept, an invention, an idea and bringing it to life. The car you drive, the cell phones we carry, the computers we use all

Winter 2019

03 ®

Cell phone stand designed using Autodesk Inventor 3D modeling and produced by a MakerBot+ Replicator with PLA filament.

had to go through some type of draftsman, some type of CAD software as a concept before it can be brought to life.

Drafting Technology really is the beginning or the entry way into everything that is created.”

With drafting being such a great love, Mallory is equally excited about some changes coming to the program. In January 2019, the current program name, Drafting Technology, will become Engineering Graphics. “The name change is the biggest point, but it is a needed change to more clearly portray the evolution and future of this field,” explained Mallory. “We produce the visual aspects of everything designed and engineered. The advancements in technology in this field have contributed to this change. Technology in this field has developed so much that models can be designed, assembled, and tested through a computer program before physical models are produced.

With the development of threedimensional (3D) printing systems, along with 3D scanning, the design process time is almost cut in half with this rapid prototyping.

So, in a sense,

drafters are the graphic designers of the engineering world. Hence, the name Engineering Graphics. The program will continue to offer the foundation courses, but the electives will change to include more in-depth knowledge in the field and explore other roles, software, and responsibilities needed to be a wellrounded designer. We will expand the curriculum by adding more project-based learning in a variety of cutting-edge avenues as drafting expands. We will not only study what is needed to be employed in this field locally, but what is needed on a global scale. Certificate, diploma, and degrees will all still be offered under the name change.”

For more information on Engineering Graphics, contact Edrian Mallory at emallory@albanytech.edu.

Edrian Mallory, Department Chair of the drafting program, explains how the Replicator+ prints from stored data as well as from an external storage device without being attached to a computer.

Winter 2019

INSIGHTS

AUGUST 2018: ALBANY TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY AT ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE ROLLED OUT THE FIRST CDL GRADUATES ÂŽ

Drivers are in High Demand

On August 17, the first commercial truck driving (CDL) graduates from the newly formed Albany Transportation Academy at Albany Technical College were showcased at a short ceremony on campus in the CDL classroom, Plant Operations Building, just off Newton Road.

The Albany Transportation Academy was designed to create a pool of trained, qualified employees to support the transportation industry and those industries that rely on efficient and cost-effective systems to move goods and services in our region.

Experts say that nationwide there is a shortage of truck drivers and graduates of the Albany Transportation Academy are being heavily recruited by national trucking firms. Albany Tech Career Services staff say that graduates are seeing a 99 percent job placement rate and that most students should begin earning from $30,000 to $50,000 a year after training.

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Albany Technical College Students Participate in SkillsUSA State & National Competition In March 2018, thirty-nine competitors from Albany Technical College competed at SkillsUSA State Competition with fourteen medaling.

GOLD MEDALS (8) • Career Pathways – Lonzell Fisher, Jasmine Green, Amanda Tolliver • Crime Scene Investigation – Alexis Lopes, Randi Palmer, Tiffany Loud • Extemporaneous Speaking – Julianna Matthews • Firefighting – Teancum Millerd SILVER MEDAL (1) • Dental Assisting – Amber Aknin BRONZE MEDALS (5) • Cabinet Making – Darrius Lightfoot • Computer Programming – Ashanti Terry • Dental Assisting – Merita Kendrick • Firefighting - Ty Summers • Masonry – Khalif Colier The eight students who medaled gold in state competition went on to compete at nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, June 2018.

They competed in their respective fields with Lonzell Fisher, Amanda Toliver & Kayla Hancock receiving bronze in Career Pathways Showcase, and Julianna Matthews, also receiving bronze, in Extemporaneous Speaking.

Julianna Matthews, an ATC Carpentry student, was recently elected as the Georgia Postsecondary SkillsUSA President for the 20182019. Matthews is the first State SkillsUSA President for ATC. Matthews’ goal is to increase participation in SkillsUSA and community service and to improve the overall image of career and technical education. Matthews stated that, “The American public needs to learn about and understand the need for skilled workers and how they're educated.

SkillsUSA shows technical education in a positive light.”

SKILLSUSA EXPLAINED and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.

SkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 middle school, high school, and college students

The organization is dedicated to preparing America’s high performance workers in public career and technical programs. SkillsUSA provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds

and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills.

It emphasizes total quality at work— high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the freeenterprise system and involvement in community service. Its mission is to help its members become worldclass workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.

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Winter 2019

COVER STORY

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Instructor Thad Minick and Paramedicine students prepare for an exercise in the SimRig Ambulance simulator.

Winter 2019

07 ®

AN INNOVATIVE WAY TO TRAIN STUDENTS FOR THEIR CAREERS

New Ambulance Simulation Exclusively at Albany Technical College

Q: These stretchers, are they what is used

TM: This is pretty much part of every course we offer. We cover traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, lifting and moving, and day-to-day EMS operations, such as checking the truck and equipment and things of that nature. It’s very integrated into every class that we teach, so they will be back here daily.

This one is not what they would consider a bariatric stretcher. It does have a 700lb weight capacity, but this is a powered stretcher that help prevents back and lifting injuries in the EMS personnel.

This really gives us the ability to have the students get out of the simulator like they were getting out on a call, go into some other area in the lab here, get a patient, bring them back and go through all of the motions. It makes it a little more realistic.

Q: Does the full simulation allow

students to feel as if they are in a realworld environment?

TM: It’s very close. now for heavier patients?

Interview with Thad Minick, Paramedicine Instructor at Albany Technical College

Q: What does this new ambulance simulation do?

Thad Minick: It gives us the ability to simulate what students will be expected to do in the real world such as loading and unloading the stretcher. We have not had the ability to do that now for quite a while. There are also new powered stretchers, so this is very similar to what they will be using in the field doing clinicals. As instructors, we will be able to move the students more toward a job-ready state, more so, than what we had been able to do in the past. The box is very similar to what they would be working in, so they get used to working in this environment. It’s a cramped space, very much like what they will have to work with in the real world. We also have the ability to monitor them on video cameras.

Q: I see you have cameras mounted inside the simulator?

TM: The cameras will give us the ability to kind of step back from the simulator and watch them as they perform their duties.

The training manikin can be equipped with a microphone and speaker, so we can communicate through the manikin and hear what the students are saying. As instructors, it removes us from being there directly with the student, allowing them to focus on the patient.

Q: Is the stretcher part of the new

Q: What are the advantages of having a simulation versus a real vehicle inside to work in?

TM: The stretcher did not come with the box, but it is new. It is exactly what Dougherty County is currently using.

TM: I believe it would be safer because we don’t deal with fumes and ventilation issues. During the warmer months, with the simulator being in an air conditioned environment, this is going to be much more comfortable to work in, rather than working in the closed-in a box of an ambulance.

equipment and is it similar to what the students will be using?

Q: Was it modeled after a standard vehicle?

TM: Yes. A type-1 ambulance box.

We have three different classes of ambulances that are frequently used.

Class-1 is the truck front with the square box on the back; the one you see Dougherty County using. There is a class-2 which is a conversion van style and a class-3 which is a van front with a square box on the back.

Q: Students not

only take classroom coursework, but they also do simulation work as part of the class? Is it only offered in certain courses?

Albany Technical College Paramedicine students perform CPR on a manikin in the new SimRig Ambulance simulator.

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Winter 2019

COVER STORY

®

begin at ATC?

standpoint, there are safety issues with a traditional ambulance.

The simulator is stable. It’s indoors, so we don’t have to worry about the weather. We don’t have to worry about exposure to insects or the environment for those with allergies.

Tracie Naylor-Griffin: Charles Proctor was the first Program Chair for the Paramedicine program. He is the one Dr. Anthony Parker talked to about starting a paramedic program at the college.

This simulator is stationary. We can use it year-round across all of our classes and it is functional just like an ambulance you would use in the field.

Q: When was that?

Q: How many students can work in and

TG: I want to say 2001, possibly 2002.

Proctor with architects, designed the building with a lab, wired and plumbed, to have simulator. Through years we had ambulances donated by Dougherty County EMS and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and it has just become impractical to use those now.

TG: The way we have it designed, you can have four to six students in the actual simulator participating in the call or the scenario. The remaining students are in the lab watching the monitor allowing them to participate without being in the way.

Q: Why is it impractical?

Q: Are there cameras set up inside the

Interview with Tracie Naylor-Griffin, Program Chair for Paramedicine at Albany Technical College

Q: How did the Paramedicine program

TG: It is impratical because of the liability

and the insurance costs of having an ambulance for training. From a student

around the simulator at one time?

simulator transmitting video and audio to a monitor in another room?

TG: The monitor will be in the same

room; however, we can put the monitor anywhere we want. We decided to mount it in the lab because it can also be connected to the network and be used as a secondary classroom in the event that we have two different classes at the same time like we do in the spring. Every Spring Semester we have a new class and a graduating class of students.

With so many students, it

becomes a challenge to have enough space for all, but an excellent challenge.

Q: How did the simulator come about?

TG: During Charles Proctor’s tenure, he actually had the functional ambulances for student to work with, but then eventually those became outdated and obsolete, then there was a push for a simulator. After Proctor’s departure, Randy Williams became the Chair for the program for a little less than a year and I am sure he started the initiative.

Jim McPherson became the next Chair and started looking at the feasibility of either repairing an ambulance or getting a simulator. After Jim left, I became Chair and it became obvious to me after getting quotes from folks that actually repair ambulances that it was a lot more feasible to get a simulator. I presented that to our Dean, Matt Dennis, who discussed with Dr. Petty, Vice President of Academic Affairs who in turn spoke with Dr. Parker, President of Albany Tech.

Q: How was the simulator funded?

TG: We were asked to get some quotes or to find what we wanted. I wrote the spec sheet after talking to the other instructors here. We sat down and decided what we truly needed and wanted and then put out for bid. It was funded through a Perkins Grant for educational equipment.

L-R: Tracie Naylor-Griffin, Paramedicine Program Chair, manikin, and Craig Grace, Paramedicine Instructor.

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Q: There are companies out there that

make simulation vehicles?

TG: Yes. There are companies out there

that actually build simulators. Through the bidding process, DiamedicalUSA won the bid. The simulator is called a “SimRig” from DiamedicalUSA and they have a sub-contract with Southeastern Specialty Vehicles. That was the actual crew that came down and built the simulator in the lab.

Q: They built the vehicle in the lab?

TG: Yes. They brought the raw materials in and built the SimRig; the platform, subflooring, walls, cabinets and top.

Q: How is the simulator going to benefit the program?

TG: It’s going to benefit the program and the students because we will be able to simulate working in an actual ambulance.

It is the same size and dimension of most modern ambulances today. Students will be able to function and manage those scenarios or patients in the confined

space just like they are going to be expected to do when they graduate. We have the same equipment.

We are super excited to have it and are very appreciative of the support we have received here at the college from the business office and from our president, Dr. Anthony O. Parker.

JOBS

EMT/ PARAMEDICINE CLASSES The Paramedicine program offers degree, diploma and technical certifcates of credit.

GET STARTED NOW

and earn your diploma and/or degree!

Grady EMS officials stated “Many Jobs are available right now as an Emergency Medical Technician right here in Southwest Georgia.”

Consider a career in EMT/Paramedicine today through Albany Technical College.

Apply Today albanytech.edu

Winter 2019

INSIGHTS ÂŽ

GENEROUS DONATION Local retired Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Charles Gillespie, donated $10,000 to the First Responders Program at Albany Technical College.

The Albany Tech Foundation received a check for $10,000 in a presentation on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the Charles B. Gillespie, M.D. Center for Emergency Responders on the campus of Albany Technical College. This philanthropic donation from Dr. Charles Gillespie will support the Emergency Medical Service Professions and Paramedicine program in the Healthcare Technology division of Albany Tech.

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ADULT ED RECEIVES SPECIAL RECOGNITION Albany Technical College was recognized at the annual Technical College System of Georgia Adult Education Conference September 17-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Two awards were received: Overall Achievement of Measurable Skill Gains and Highest Increase in number of GEDs for our test centers (Centers Serving 401-700 Completers). The annual conference brings together nearly 300 adult education and GED® testing professionals, practitioners, administrators, supporters, business and community leaders, volunteers and literacy ambassadors from all over Georgia. The event highlights yearly achievements for adult education and provides further scholastic opportunities for attendees with workshops, luncheons, and speakers.

Entry Level Workforce Certificates identify fields with many job openings ENTRY LEVEL Many of these programs are eligible for HOPE grant and HOPE Career Grant funding (free tuition).

Albany Technical College is actively working with the needs of the workforce and offering several Technical College Certificates of Credit (TCC) that can be completed in as little as eight weeks to six months. This allows access to programs that are direct to work situations with little out of pocket cost. Certificates are linked to advanced diplomas or degrees where skills gained would assist in GA’s workforce initiative.

Eighteen technical certificates for students who previously could not be admitted to our diploma or degree programs. These programs are a part of Governor Deal’s HOPE Career Grant. For eligible students, 100% of tuition and fees are paid through the HOPE Career Grant.

WORKFORCE CERTIFICATES PROGRAMS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Automotive Collision Repair Assistant I Automotive Collision Repair Assistant II Automotive Refinishing Assistant I Automotive Refinishing Assistant II Automotive Collision Mechanical/Electrical Helper Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certified Construction Worker Certified Customer Service Specialist Certified Warehousing Distribution Specialist Commercial Truck Driving Criminal Justice Specialist Diesel Engine Service Tech Diesel Truck Maintenance Tech Food Production Worker General Maintenance Mechanic Infant/Toddler Child Care Specialist Nail Technician Nurse Aide

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Winter 2019

FEATURE

®

THE COMPLETE STUDENT EXPERIENCE: A Visit To The Emerald Isle

Interview with Todd White, Culinary Arts Department Chair at Albany Technical College

Q: The Culinary Arts

Department needed to raise money to fund the studyabroad program. How did that work?

Todd White: We wanted the students to really benefit from the study abroad program.

Actually, working towards that goal helped them appreciate what the goal and prize from the trip would give them.

Working and coming up with different fundraisers, getting out in the community helped them broaden their own horizons, but helped them understand the value of working hard to get what they want. The whole thing was just a learning process from the get-go.

We came up with the “Flights and Bites” and we also brought in four chefs from Ireland back in March of this year for a Taste of Ireland.

It was a treat really for the students and the guests to have them here in Southwest Georgia.

Q: Did this inspire the trip

to Ireland or was the trip to Ireland already in the works?

TW: It was inspired through

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT).

We are trying to build this bridge between Georgia and Ireland. They sent these chefs over to help with our fundraiser to get our students to Ireland. So that was their main goal to come over and work with our students, have this fund-raising dinner to make as much money as we could to be able to get these students to Ireland and open up a whole other world for them. So, it was in the works. There’s been talk about some of the chefs from Georgia to go to Ireland and actually teach for a week, like traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s just a thought. It hasn’t been planned yet.

I talked with the chefs in Ireland on our last visit and all of them want to come

to Albany. They see our students and how they are over there, and I think that they relate to us. We groomed these students to go over there. God bless Dr. Parker for putting this whole thing together and allowing our students this opportunity.

My job is just to make sure these students are prepared and that they understand who they are representing.

They are representing not only this college, but also the community of Albany, South Georgia, Georgia, and the United States. They are ambassadors when they go over there. I tell you I was so proud of them this trip and last trip also. I was able to take five of them this time and they really shined. They’re still on cloud nine from the trip and they represented us very well.

Q: How long did you get

to go over there and was it

accredited, a situation where they got credits for going on the trip? Was that part of their education experience?

TW: TCSG instituted the “Irish Culture and Cuisine,” which is three credits. We are utilizing those credits towards our degree program to where maybe they wouldn’t have to take another class and can replace it with this three-credit travel class. That is something I am still working on and figuring out.

Q: Is there a next trip?

TW: You know what it is to me – it’s Dr. Parker. He is the vision for all of us. He makes great decisions. He is the one that brought it to us two years ago. I want him to know what it meant to the students and make sure he is on the same page and would like to see them do it again. I assume he does because he knows the benefits of going over there and getting our students out of their comfort zone and experiencing new cultures. So, we are going to raise money regardless even if we are busting our tails to get things done and do more fundraisers.

Q: You had a series of fundraisers to make the trip happen this last time?

TW: We had Flights and Bites (at Pretoria

Fields) this past October and we are going to do another one in the spring. My goal is to do more. We are building on it every year. Last year we did fairly well. Our goal is to move higher and higher every year and take as many students as possible.

There are so many people involved. It takes an army to get us over there. It really does. So many people work so hard to get us there. And us thinking outside the box on how we can do more fundraisers, what benefits the students as well as the community, and having the community understand why this is so important to send these students is a big thing.

You think about it, why would I give money to send someone to Ireland? I want to help them understand why it’s so important because of what the students get out of it. Experiencing another culture helps them to open their eyes to what’s around them here. Personal growth and travel are so important to help them grow. We get so caught up in our comfort zone, in our little boxes, that we don’t see what’s out there. So, the thing to do is to take them there and to experience it, to learn from some of the best chefs in the world, to experience some of the best products, with just

good people, they’re really good people.

We met a lot of really good people there that almost adopted us. Seeing new things, experiencing new things, and bringing that knowledge back here to help Southwest Georgia grow is so important.

Q: Tell me a little about when you got

there to Ireland. What the days were like and how you were able to not only experience the college but experience the country.

TW: It’s really a pilgrimage. We left the Albany Tech parking lot at 12 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon and after flights and a 9 am landing in Ireland, we took a two-hour bus ride to Waterford from Dublin.

We went straight to the school and did a tour of the school and ate lunch. They do not have classes in the summer, so we stayed in the dorms. We took a walking tour of the college and finally got back around 7 pm that night their time.

Our students got a real first chance to rest up that night.

Our real first day in the lab learning from other chefs wasn’t until the following morning.

Our students received a demo on the first real day in Ireland. Then we went on more tours that afternoon just really walking around getting the history and culture of Ireland.

The second day we were able to go to a factory where they made blaa. It’s a bread that is indigenous to Waterford and they only eat it before noon. This company we visited, Walsh’s Bakery, is owned by two brothers, who are master bakers.

They showed us the whole aspect of baking and of doing things on a large scale. They do their own product development. They work closely with the school. Waterford has a product development kitchen.

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Winter 2019

FEATURE

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Q: So the students got to see it from a business aspect, cooking from the business side including product development?

TW: Yes. Every aspect was

shown on this one tour.

They’re trying to market this blaa so that it can be sold everywhere. It was interesting they even made a beer, Metalman is a brewery in Waterford. The brothers provide the beer and Walsh’s Bakery makes the bread.

Waterford works with product development with the brewery and with students from WIT.

Q: They’re actually working with the college to develop?

TW: They work with the students that are in the program that take product development and they work with local businesses on their product development, making new products from what they produce. Metalman’s Brewing Company and Walsh’s Bakery have the blaa, the bakery, and Metalman makes ‘Blogger’ the

beer made from blaa bread.

And the beer is amazing!

Q: What was one special learning experience?

TW: We also went to West Cork, Ireland where we met this lady that does woodcock smokery. She lives out in the country past Schull, Ireland which is a beautiful, popular destination.

There were two places, a place that makes cheeses and a place that makes knives, $500-$600 knives.

These knives are for cooking, some of the best hand forged knives in the world. The mom does all the cheeses, the dad is on the tractor working, and the son is making knives and smoked sausage. This family operation has been there for years and years.

Another lady we met does smoked salmon and smoked fish, Woodcock Smokery.

She makes some of the best smoked fish in the world. One side of smoked salmon is $190 euros. We understood why the price was what it was -- it’s the quality. It’s not just going to see the product, they tell you their vision of how things are and their passion which adds to the quality of the product. The quality shows because of their passion. So, people go visit there, they hear about her all over Europe, and they will go and ask her if they can work for her a few days. Its’ just a love for what she does. She understands sustainability.

We even went to the Department of Agriculture for Ireland and visited their product development department. At the Department of Agriculture in Ireland, they help businesses all over the country. They have

scientists that will help you if you want to open a business, they will train you through the whole factory side, and even rent you the equipment. They want you to succeed.

Q: The Irish people know

quality food when they see it?

TW: The Irish people really embrace quality. It’s the culture itself. The people want to support Ireland. They know buying from their neighbor will help Ireland, will help their economy.

Q: Do you think your

students picked up on that?

TW: Most definitely. Each of the five students had two days where they worked with a chef locally. One student even went to Waterford Castle and worked with a chef that graduated from WIT. The student also liked baking, so they let him work with a pastry chef in the same castle.

Another student worked at a place called Jeff’s, which has another chef who graduated

from the Waterford, and he utilizes as much local product as possible. Those chefs understand how important it is for the students to learn from other kitchens.

We also got a chance to go to Midleton, Ireland where Jameson Distillery is located. There is a restaurant in Midleton called Sage. The chef there also was instructed at WIT. This chef at Sage Restaurant features cuisine with ingredients harvested within 12 miles of their location. So, the restaurant has food that is sourced from within 12 miles of their front door.

We then went to this castle that was built in the1400s and they called it the Buttermilk Castle. The name comes from the small army that was once guarding it that wanted beer while they guarded the castle. The “Lady,” who was in charge, insisted they were going to get buttermilk instead, so they left the castle unguarded, and it was taken over the next day. The ruins of this castle perch out over a huge area and we were there trying different flavors from our foraging.

Q: What do you hope that

ATC students took away from this trip?

TW: The quality of the food, the quality of the people, and then what we learned from them -- it was great. And then what they learned from us.

They get a chance to learn our culture also, to appreciate our customs and our hospitality.

Q: I understand you had an opportunity to go foraging?

TW: On the last day we were able to go sea foraging. We went to The Copper Coast during the low tide scavenging for seaweed, then inland foraging for natural vegetation that had different flavors that could be used for different dishes. They brought an author out there who wrote a cookbook and that is what she does. She is a forager and she has developed her own cookbook with things she finds on the coast and in the woods. We gathered different things and were able to taste the different flavors and what they could go in as well as get a copy of the cookbook that the author wrote.

What I wanted to show our students is that if you’re dealing with the best products then you’re going to have the best foods. So why not utilize the people and products right around you because I do believe we have some of the best products in the world right here in South Georgia.

When I took some of our products over there for them to try, the chefs were amazed.

I had to weigh my bag when traveling on the plane and even take clothes out so that I could show them more of our products.

Speaking about the students, I think their take on life, even their work ethic has changed.

Inspiration grew throughout the trip, but the whole thought of an opportunity to go to Ireland was a seed.

I hope to see some of these new chefs that are graduating start their own businesses here in Albany in several years.

Q: What about next year?

They want to do the St. Patrick’s Day experience again here in Georgia. We talked about it over there. Waterford would like to come here again bringing their chefs. This is something we will have to explore with TCSG, letting us (chefs) go there and teaching so that their students will want to come here to Georgia and take back some of this knowledge to their hometowns in Ireland. That’s a big deal and something that I would love to see grow.

CULINARY ARTS CLASSES The Culinary Arts program offers degree, diploma and technical certifcates of credit.

16

Winter 2019

INSIGHTS

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Healthcare Shortages Translate to

Opportunities and New Careers for Many

Southwest Georgians

In June of this year, Albany Technical College gave a tour of many of the healthcare offerings here at the college. ioner sistant Commiss ht: Neil Bitting, As s, bb Sa ll re Da , Pictured left to rig gia System of Geor ge lle , Co ms al ste nic Sy l ch at Te ey Hospita s at Phoebe Putn d an gia or Ge , Government affair 45 ict Unterman - Distr gia.

Senator Renee S. – District 12, Geor ms Si ll we Po die Senator Fred

Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College, hosted a tour for state and local officials.

Officials got to see what Albany Technical College is doing to meet the workforce needs of the Southwest Georgia area. There is a shortage in many areas of the healthcare industry. Technical College System of Georgia colleges and healthcare providers are partnering to reduce worker shortages.

Dr. Anthony O. Pa rker, left, chats wi th the group abou Pharmacy Techno t logy Degree optio ns on the campus of Albany Technical College.

88%

of Programs offer Evening

or 100% online options

AlbanyTech.edu

Winter 2019

17 ®

COMMODORE CONYERS COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY IS SHAPING LIVES AND MEETING WORKFORCE NEEDS THROUGH EARLY TRAINING TECHNIQUES

The Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy (4C) works with ATC as a partner in preparing young people to fulfill workforce development needs, shaping our kids into careers at an early age. As PostSecondary partners we are very proud to

support the efforts of the 4C Academy. It allows existing businesses to grow and puts us on a projection for new business in the area.

On May 8th of this year, we met a couple of the students who attend the Career Academy. They each told us a little about their experience.

Through

DUAL ENROLLMENT, students receive the benefits of an incredible community asset.

“

I got involved when I heard about Dual Enrollment from my counselor, Mrs. Skinner. I talked to her about it at school.

She thought I should try and experience it.

A typical school day is first block Biology 1 or English 1102, depending on the day.

I spend half a day at 4C and half at Westover. My interest was Healthcare. All classes are held at 4C and they also hold classes at Albany Tech. I loved all my teachers because they were encouraging and were great motivators. I would say, experience it. I learned a lot and others should take advantage of it. It can benefit you and I love the fact that I can graduate with AYANLA DUDLY Age 17, Westover High School an associate degree before I graduate from high school.”

“

I heard about this program from our principal, Mrs. Gardner. She came down to our school and introduced us to the program. I talked to my parents and they certainly agreed with it. My first class is British Literature (English 1102) and it counts as high school credit as well. I also take Economics. For the second half of the day, I take a construction pathway.

I’m actually finishing the semester and in a couple of days I will have my OSHA certification and NCCER certificate. The teachers are amazing they help you out along the way, they guide you with every step. I’ll finish my different levels of certification next at Albany Technical College through the 4C Academy.

Consider turning your life around by joining the 4C academy. It’s great.”

DARRELL BROWN Age 17, Terrell County High School

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia 1704 South Slappey Boulevard Albany, Georgia 31701

Dougherty County Campus: 229.430.3500 | Randolph County Learning Center: 229.732.5280 albanytech.edu As set forth in its student catalog, Albany Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Kathy Skates, Vice President of Administrative Services, Albany Technical College, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701. Phone 229.430.3524 and Section 504 Coordinator, Regina Watts, Special Needs Coordinator, Albany Technical College, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701, 229.430.2854 or rwatts@albanytech.edu.

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You can successfully complete the Commercial Truck Driving program in eight weeks and the Diesel Equipment Technology program in 12 to 18 months.

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albanytech.edu A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Albany Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Institution