Talent Pipeline Magazine 2024

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HIGH TALENT PIPELINE

TCSG’s aviation maintenance and avionics programs are helping Georgia’s $57.5-billion aerospace industry soar

AHEAD OF THE CURVE – TCSG is Advancing Today’s Cybersecurity Workforce p. 16

TCSG honors top students and instructors in 2024

TCSG is keeping its eyes forward when it comes to developing a workforce that’s on top of today’s cybersecurity concerns

unstoppable journey of adult learners

How Georgia’s links to South Korea helped reshape Georgia Quick Start

TCSG’s aviation maintenance and avionics programs are helping Georgia’s $57.5-billion aerospace industry soar

COLLEGE SPOTLIGHTS

71 Wiregrass Georgia Tech is the Right Path for a Cool Career

TALENT PIPELINE

ADMINISTRATION

Gregory C. Dozier Commissioner

Mark Peevy Chief of Staff

Josh McKoon General Counsel

Robbie Vickers Chief Information Officer

Matt Dollar Deputy Commissioner Economic Development

Karen Kirchler Deputy Commissioner Workforce Development

Dr. Ray Perren Deputy Commissioner Technical Education

Scott McMurray Deputy Commissioner Quick Start

Derek Dabrowiak

Assistant Commissioner Student Affairs & SEI

Dr. Cayanna Good

Assistant Commissioner Adult Education

Penni Haberly

Assistant Commissioner

Administrative Services

Dr. Kathryn Hornsby Assistant Commissioner Technical Education

Mark D’Alessio Executive Director Office of Communications

Courtney Ware Executive Director Human Resources

Jen Ziifle Chief of Police

Photo by Daemon Baizan

STATE OF GEORGIA

Sincerely,

STRENGTHENING Aviation CYBER and

Georgia’s workforce

Our colleges invest tremendous effort to ensure that we produce graduates who are not only skilled but also adaptable and ready to meet the demands of a dynamic job market.

Welcome to the third annual issue of Talent Pipeline Magazine. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of workforce development, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) remains committed to providing top-tier education and training to meet the demands of our state’s industries. I am incredibly proud of the strides we have made in fostering a skilled workforce that drives Georgia’s economy forward.

In this issue, we highlight the remarkable efforts of several of our colleges in addressing critical industry needs. We showcase the work of Gwinnett Technical College, Augusta Technical College, and Atlanta Technical College in building a robust cybersecurity workforce. As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and frequency, these colleges are at the forefront, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect our digital infrastructure. Through rigorous programs and state-of-the-art facilities, our colleges are producing graduates who are ready to tackle the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow.

Additionally, this issue examines the contributions of Chattahoochee Technical College, Savannah Technical College, and South Georgia Technical College to Georgia’s thriving aviation industry. Our colleges are instrumental in providing a skilled workforce for aviation maintenance, manufacturing, and operations. By offering hands-on training and certifications, they ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the high standards of this vital sector. The success stories from these colleges underscore our commitment to excellence in technical education and the pivotal role we play in supporting Georgia’s economic growth.

I commend the hard work and dedication of our staff across TCSG. Our colleges invest tremendous effort to ensure that we produce graduates who are not only skilled but also adaptable and ready to meet the demands of a dynamic job market. We are also deeply grateful for the support of Gov. Brian Kemp and our state lawmakers, whose vision and backing are crucial to our success.

Together, we are building a legacy of excellence that will benefit Georgia for generations to come. Let us continue to maximize every opportunity to enhance our workforce and drive our state’s prosperity.

Dr. Artesius Miller

QCan you share a little about your background in education?

AM I am an educational entrepreneur with a career that spans across K-12 and higher education. My passion lies in advocating for and ensuring access to education for students of all ages and backgrounds. In 2019, I was appointed to the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) by Gov. Brian Kemp.

QWhat are some of the significant achievements of TCSG under your leadership?

AM TCSG continues to grow enrollment each semester and the colleges have done a tremendous job growing enrollment in highdemand career fields where business and industry need skilled workers. Gov. Kemp’s direct admissions initiative, GEORGIA MATCH, will continue to show more and more students and families all the postsecondary opportunities available to them as awareness grows. Our Quick Start program has really been instrumental in helping Georgia land some large economic development projects, including the Hyundai plant being built in Bryan County.

Dr. Artesius Miller is the founder & CEO of the Utopian Academy for the Arts Charter School Network. Dr. Miller represents Georgia’s 13th Congressional District on the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia and is its chair.

QWhat is your vision for the Technical College System of Georgia?

AM My vision for TCSG is to advance its mission of developing a skilled workforce to support business and industry while providing students with pathways to rewarding careers. I aim to foster increased partnerships in key sectors identified by TCSG as priority areas, positioning our agency to lead the state in achieving outcomes that solidify Georgia’s status as the top state in the nation for business.

QCan you share any advice for those considering enrolling in a TCSG college?

AM Engage with our stakeholders, including students, parents, instructors, educational partners, and business and industry leaders. With 22 colleges across Georgia, it’s likely that you know someone who has been part of our college system—whether a relative, friend, or neighbor. Our stakeholders are our strongest advocates for the work we do for students and local industries. By learning first-hand about TCSG from our graduates or those who have earned certifications, you’ll see the value and opportunities we offer.

Q What motivates you personally to work in the field of education?

AM As an educator, I have the privilege of witnessing the impact of my work on students every day. Serving students has shown me how they can achieve remarkable outcomes, reshape their family narratives, and build successful careers. The students I work with are introduced to career pathways at an early age, leading to significantly different and positive outcomes. I

see students prepared for higher education and workforce readiness, and my role in this process keeps me motivated. My goal is to create a trend to end generational poverty at all levels, and I believe education is the foundation for students to change their personal narratives. I am committed to helping students at all levels reshape their futures and achieve what I know is possible.

Q How do you see the role of technical education evolving in the broader context of the state’s economic development?

AM Technical education directly supports workforce development, thus supporting economic development in Georgia. Employers’ No. 1 concern is workforce. Georgia continues to be named the No. 1 state in the country to do business, in part, because we provide employers with a skilled talent pool. TCSG is always working with business and industry to ensure we are providing programs that align to the workforce needs of today and tomorrow. This is something we do extremely well and will continue to do in the future.

Q Can you share some advice for employers considering a partnership with a TCSG college?

AM My advice is to meet with your local technical college. Go to the campus and see first-hand the facilities and learn about the programs offered in the college’s service delivery area. The colleges exist to provide a skilled workforce for the community. They are very intentional about the programs offered at the college. Programs are offered because local business and industry need employees with specific skill sets and training.

Soaring Like an Eagle

TCSG’s Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Award honors students from throughout the state who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in adult education programs. The 2024 EAGLE Student of the Year is Patria Brown, Cobb County School District.

Congratulations on being named the 2024 Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Student of the Year in Georgia. What does this achievement mean to you?

Thank you. Being the EAGLE Student of the Year means so much to me. It showed me that I can not only do anything I set my mind to, but I can do it to the point of rising to the top and letting my light shine bright. I am the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education.

Can you share a little about what motivated you to return to education as an adult?

My motivation to return to school was the feeling of being incomplete. Growing up, I always loved school. It was my getaway, my escape, and my happy place. Not finishing always felt so dirty to me. I felt like I cheated on the thing that always treated me so well. I needed to give myself another shot and close that chapter of my life. It didn’t take long for me to fall back in love with learning.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you faced during your studies and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced during my studies was math. Even as an adolescent I always struggled with math. I was fearful that I was not going to be able to comprehend and retain anything past the basics. I was able to overcome this challenge through hard work, a great village of people around me, and amazing teachers. I would bring homework home and sometimes spend an entire hour trying to solve a problem. I would call my kids and siblings to work on the problems with me. Then when I got it, I celebrated, and they would celebrate with me. I never gave up.

Who has been your biggest source of support and inspiration throughout your educational journey?

My biggest source of support are my husband and kids. They have been so encouraging throughout the last two years. They encouraged me when I felt defeated, cheered me on when it was time for an exam, and cried with me when I would pass. My inspiration has been my kids. Seeing them graduate from high school and walk across the stage to receive their diplomas has been inspiring and has left me longing for the same experience.

Patria Brown (c) with TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier and TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education Dr. Cayanna Good

What impact has your education had on your personal and professional life?

Education has impacted my life on so many levels—starting with being asked to speak at my graduation last June. I was so happy for the opportunity to walk across the stage and then share my journey with those at the graduation. When I began my journey, my only goal was to earn my GED. After finishing the first test, I began to hunger for more—I began to crave a career. This education path led me to chase my dream of becoming a commercial real estate broker.

What are your plans now that you have achieved this milestone?

Having reached this milestone, my plan is to continue making those around me proud by seizing the opportunities presented to me. Because I am the EAGLE winner, I received a full scholarship to Chattahoochee Technical College where I’ll study business management this fall. This will be in conjunction with studying for the real estate pre-license exam.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during your studies?

The most surprising thing I learned about myself is that I can do math. I overcame my fear and was able to conquer it. I was surprised I passed the math test on the first try. To some, this may seem like a small accomplishment, but for me, the fear of math was one of the reasons it took me so long to decide to return to school. I no longer have that fear and can even help my kids with some of their math homework.

What advice would you give to other adults considering going back to school?

My advice to other adults will be to just do it. It is a lifechanging experience that will only better you. Don’t let fear hold you back. Wherever you are in life, give education a chance. TCSG has colleges throughout the state, and they make it easy for you to attend. The first step is the most important. You can do it.

“Don’t let fear hold you back. Wherever you are in life, give education a chance. TCSG has colleges throughout the state, and they make it easy for you to attend. The first step is the most important. You can do it.”
Patria Brown

The Long and Winding Road

Rhea Brashear, a teacher at Southern Regional Technical College, is the 2024 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year.

Can you share a bit about your journey into adult education? What inspired you to enter this field?

The path that led me into Adult Education may look like the proverbial long and winding road. I never set out to be an educator for adult learners. Most of my teaching background has been in early education and more specifically, Montessori education. I love thinking about learning and how an individual acquires knowledge.

Helping students at any age maximize their learning style to accomplish their goals is what inspires me every day. I had been looking for opportunities to train teachers and offer educational consultation for early education. But once I understood the challenges in Adult Education and the deficits faced by many students, it was an irresistible challenge to help unlock learning for so many. I continue to be inspired daily by the determination and spirit of so many adults in our programs.

What challenges have you faced in your teaching career, and how have you overcome them?

The challenge that changed me the most was having the gumption to continue my own education! I returned to school as an adult learner in 2018 to pursue an online master’s degree. The challenge of being on the other side of the desk, so to speak, and having to catch up with the latest technology in a hurry was a big hurdle I had to jump over to accomplish my goal.

In my darkest moments, I often re-read an inspirational plaque on my desk as I reached for the next section of Pepperidge Farm mint Milano cookies. I had a desire to teach in higher education and had observed the impact that the technical college has played in our small town. I knew a master’s degree would prepare me for this opportunity.

Can you share a memorable story about how you have impacted an individual student or a group of students?

I had a young student that worked all day on a construction site and then attended class at night. As a teenager reentering after incarceration as well as lacking a high school diploma, he would be the low man at the job site. He would often come to class covered in paint or dust, but he wanted to give education a second try. After a few classes with me, he brought another student with him one evening. I heard him lean over to his friend and say: “See, I told you she was different, and you would like this class.” I could see the impact I was making as I helped a tired and filthy teenager decide school could be interesting. I was struck by the immediacy of seeing how one class session could make such an impact to help someone like learning.

What do you think is the most important thing that your students have taught you?

Each student has something remarkable that has kept

Rhea Brashear (c) with TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier and TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education Dr. Cayanna Good

them from completing their High School Equivalency (HSE). They have taught me how to see beyond someone’s past without judgment and find the place where we can start the learning journey together. They have helped me become even more creative with finding new ways to present ideas they just never seemed to be able to grasp. I thrive on the challenge of education innovation.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing adult education today?

I think one of our biggest challenges is getting students to develop the critical thinking skills needed to write in complete sentences and to coherently compose an original essay. Evidence based research shows that writing well is a precursor to reading well. The quality of writing I see in class correlates to the elementary school reading levels of most of our HSE students.

I see harnessing the effective use of AI tools in the classroom is something on the horizon for AE programs. This workforce-ready technology is not reflected in direct HSE content preparation for testing, but it is something that we should be helping our students learn how to navigate. How can students critically evaluate something generated by AI technology if their own thoughts and ideas are not developed beyond elementary thinking? Digital communication has been a boon in countless ways, but it has created sloppy dialogue practices that are not easily corrected in the short time we have with students.

What advice would you give to someone considering a teaching career in adult education?

Anyone considering teaching in adult education would need to consider their ability to embrace servant leadership. Also, refresh your math skills with fractions. I’m not kidding. You will likely have to teach mixed number fraction word problems weekly.

What are the most important qualities or skills that an adult education teacher should have?

In one word—flexibility. Things can move quickly and new programs and demands need to be seamlessly implemented.

“Helping students at any age maximize their learning style to accomplish their goals is what inspires me every day...I continue to be inspired daily by the determination and spirit of so many adults in our programs.”
Rhea Brashear

What has been the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

I have fallen in love with the ideals and results of adult education. Some teachers never get to see immediate results for their students’ advancement. When we see a student achieve their HSE, we know a better paying job and brighter tomorrow are their reality. These tangible results make being an adult educator a very rewarding career.

Achieving His GOAL

Nicholas Rucker, a Physical Therapist

Assistant student at Athens Technical College, is the 2024 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student of the Year.

Can you tell our readers a little about yourself and your background before attending Athens Technical College?

Before attending Athens Technical College for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, my life was marked by various personal and professional successes and accomplishments. Despite these achievements, there lingered a sense of regret regarding one particular aspect of my journey—not pursuing a career in physical therapy earlier in life. In my late 40s, I made the bold decision to address this regret head-on by pursuing the PTA program at Athens Technical College. My decision to enroll in the PTA program reflects not only a desire to fulfill a lifelong passion for helping others through rehabilitative care, but also a commitment to personal growth and professional fulfillment. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

What motivated you to choose the PTA program?

I chose the PTA program due to my fascination with the human body’s healing process and my personal experience witnessing a family member’s recovery through physical therapy. This program aligns with my career goals and my passion for helping others through healthcare. The hands-on patient care involved in the PTA role is particularly appealing to me, as it allows me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Additionally, the program’s structure offers a clear path to entering the healthcare field quickly and effectively.

How has your experience at Athens Technical College shaped your personal and professional goals?

My time at Athens Technical College has been transformative. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on training, I’ve gained valuable skills and perspective. Personally, I’ve developed a deeper sense of resilience and determination. Professionally, Athens Tech has prepared me for success in the field of physical therapy by providing me with practical experience and the opportunity for lifelong mentorship from the instructors and some of the excellent graduates that have gone before me. Overall, the experience has prepared me to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.

How did it feel to be recognized as the 2024 GOAL Student of the Year?

Being recognized as the 2024 GOAL Student of the Year was an incredibly humbling and gratifying experience. It was an honor to be acknowledged for my achievements in the classroom, and my contributions to my community. The recognition served as validation of the hard work and dedication I have invested in my education and personal growth. Moreover, it motivated me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my life. I am honored to represent my school, instructors, peers, and personal mentors who have all guided and inspired me along the way.

What are some of the biggest opportunities students have in technical education today?

Students in technical education today have numerous

Athens Technical College President Dr. Andrea Daniel, Nicholas Rucker, Kia Georgia CEO Stuart Countess, and TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier (l to r)

opportunities in high-demand fields such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. With specialized training in those high-demand fields, graduates are well-positioned for rapid career advancement. Industry partnerships provide valuable real-world experience, while technical education fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Technical education equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic job market as well as assisting in economic development and mobility for the communities it serves.

What are your career goals after graduation?

After completing the PTA program, my goal is to provide personalized rehabilitative care to patients in various healthcare settings. I aspire to collaborate with licensed physical therapists, assisting patients in achieving their functional goals and enhancing their quality of life. Additionally, I am committed to continual education and professional development opportunities to stay updated with advancements in the field. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives by empowering them to achieve independence by optimizing their health and wellness.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling in a technical college?

My advice to anyone considering enrolling in a technical college is simple: start the journey today. Technical education offers a pathway to lucrative and fulfilling careers. I would encourage prospective students to explore the support services available at the college, such as academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid assistance. Lastly, I want to highlight the importance of dedication and commitment to achieving personal success. By investing in themselves, they’re laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.

What has been the most rewarding part of your education at Athens Technical College?

The most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through hands-on learning experiences. Whether in the classroom, lab settings, or clinical rotations, I have gained practical skills and insights that have prepared me for success in my chosen field.

Being recognized as the 2024 GOAL Student of the Year was an incredibly humbling and gratifying experience. It was an honor to be acknowledged for my achievements in the classroom, and my contributions to my community. The recognition served as validation of the hard work and dedication I have invested in my education and personal growth.”
Nicholas Rucker

The Road to Success

Sharoko Farley, an instructor at Central Georgia Technical College, is the 2024 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.

Can you share with us your journey into commercial truck driving and what led you to teach at Central Georgia Technical College?

I grew up in a world of drugs and alcohol, but I knew I wanted to better myself. I chose commercial truck driving because I had family who were in trucking. I spent summer breaks during high school traveling from state to state with family members, and I saw the lifestyle they were able to provide for themselves. I found trucking to be fun, exciting, and rewarding. I initially attended Sandersville Tech (now Oconee Fall Line Technical College) in 1997. After a major accident in 2006, while lying in a hospital bed being told I would never walk again, I had a man ask me one question: “Who are you?” That man was asking me about my purpose for living and I did not know, but I knew I wanted better for myself. I attended a refresher course with OFTC in 2009 and started S&A Express LLC [a logistics company]. After 20 years of service in the industry, I reconnected with Carrie Dietrich the director of the Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) Putnam County Center and a former high school classmate. We began to reminisce and congratulate each other on our success. She asked me what was next and at the time, I did not know. She told me about the Putnam County Center needing an instructor and how she thought I would be a perfect fit, especially because I am from Putnam County. After months of consideration and reflecting on the accidents I had seen on the road, I realized I wanted to teach. Knowledge is power and to share with others what has been taught to me is the most rewarding part of it all.

What drives your passion for teaching commercial truck driving, and how do you inspire your students?

For me, commercial truck driving is an avenue that is used to connect with people. Trucking is a job that benefits others, which can make it a rewarding career. It also plays a critical role in society because trucks deliver necessities like clothes and food to different locations, for our economy and essential industries to function. As a truck driver, you’re making a positive impact on many people’s lives each time you deliver goods that they want and need. My life is all about helping others, so trucking fits my personality. The reward for my efforts is seeing people prosper and live the life they are destined to lead. So, how do I inspire? I let my life story speak for me. I let students know there is a purpose for their life, and they also have a gift to share. It’s not about where you come from or what you have done. It’s about where you see yourself going. If you can see it and believe it, then you can achieve it.

Can you share a memorable success story of a student who went on to achieve great things in the trucking industry?

At the Putnam County Center, I taught an all-female trucking class. They all went on to do great things, but one student stood out the most because she transitioned from a customer service agent to enrolling in a commercial truck driving class. In an informal conversation, she revealed her motivation as a single mom with four kids, needing money to take care of her family. I told her about the dedication, commitment, and

Sharoko Farley (c) with TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier and Central Georgia Technical College President Dr. Ivan Allen (r)

reward of a truck driving career. After six weeks of training, she approached me with tears, expressing her belief that she lacked the skills to pass the state test. Over time, not only did her skills improve, but her confidence soared. Upon obtaining her license, she received a job offer from a company that initially required two years of experience. However, based on her performance in the driving test and double and triple endorsements, and success in the adrenaline test, she secured the position. Remarkably, she emerged as the first female employee straight out of school at Wood Fruticher Grocery Co. Inc. This journey encapsulates the resilience and determination of a single mother striving to provide for her family, overcoming challenges to succeed in a male-dominated industry.

Looking forward, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the commercial truck driving industry?

Operational costs are first. Trucking companies face financial challenges due to rising operation costs, such as fuel prices and insurance premiums, as well as declining shipping rates and increased competition. Higher operation costs can eat into profit margins, while declining rates may make it difficult for companies to earn enough revenue to cover their expenses. Additionally, driver shortages and driver retention are challenges. Currently, there are more than 80,000 driver shortages believed to be stemmed from the challenging lifestyle, a retiring workforce, and regulatory pressure that influence drivers to leave the industry. It’s important that as the market continues to rebound, companies stay mindful of current trends in order to remain competitive. They must also know that technical colleges and programs like ours at CGTC are here to listen and support the next wave of drivers.

Throughout your teaching career, what has been your proudest moment?

My proudest moment has been becoming the [Rick Perkins] instructor of the year for TCSG.

What advice would you give to other educators looking to make a significant impact in technical education? I would tell other instructors not to be so quick to go off first impressions. Students come in with a façade. Let them get a feel for you as a person before getting to know them. Let them know you are nothing more than human with a talent, not just an unapproachable instructor in a collared shirt. One instructor can’t reach them all but do your part by being authentic.

“I let my life story speak for me. I let students know there is a purpose for their life, and they also have a gift to share. It’s not about where you come from or what you have done. It’s about where you see yourself going. If you can see it and believe it, then you can achieve it.”
Sharoko Farley

TCSG is keeping its eyes forward when it comes to developing a workforce that’s on top of today’s cybersecurity concerns

Gwinnett Technical College cybersecurity students

Georgia leads the nation in the development of cyber talent and research, with 10 colleges and universities earning designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in either cyber defense (CD) or research (R) –including several TCSG colleges.

On a sweltering day last summer, it was business as usual for people wanting to buy and sell cars in the U.S. That is, until it wasn’t. On June 18 and 19, multiple ransomware attacks struck software company CDK Global, which more than half of the car dealerships in the U.S. use to operate their businesses. As a result, for nearly a week, thousands of businesses were essentially shut down, and it was practically impossible to buy a car until cybersecurity personnel were able to resolve the issue.

As the world becomes more interconnected and reliant on computers, data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and AI to function, it’s becoming even more crucial to have people in place to protect your company’s assets.

That means there is a never-ending demand for those skilled in cybersecurity, and here in Georgia, there’s a pipeline of talented employees ready to get started, thanks to the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and its campuses offering cybersecurity degrees and certificates.

According to Business Facilities Magazine, in 2021, Georgia ranked in the top seven states for cybersecurity growth.

“The job prospects are enormous,” says Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Technical College. “You have a lot of startup companies that are coming out of the ground. You’ve got military veterans who are coming out of service, and they want to start a business. … If you are interested in this, this is the place to be in the country.”

In fact, Georgia leads the nation in the development of cyber talent and research, with 10 colleges and universities earning designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in either cyber defense (CD) or research (R) – including several TCSG colleges.

“What that means is that the curriculum has been viewed and determined to be of high standards, the types of standards that the federal government wants and needs in order to defend against cybersecurity attacks,” says Garfield Anderson, dean

of computer science at Gwinnett Tech, a CAE-CD certified school.

“That is a very, very, very hard designation to get,” Dr. Whirl agrees. Augusta Tech was the first in Georgia in 2018 to receive this certification. “That basically tells the world that our program of study meets those standards at the national level for security clearances for Homeland Security, and we have the curriculum that is validated by them as well. That’s a pretty powerful message.”

Nexus of Innovation

Over the past few years, Augusta has become a lightning rod for cybersecurity innovation. In fact, it was recognized by CSO Online in 2019 as one of the top 10 hubs for cybersecurity in the world.

That’s because here you’ll find the $100-million Georgia Cyber Center, which is a collaboration between academia, state and federal government, law enforcement, the U.S. Army, the private sector, and the recently relocated Cyber Command on Fort Eisenhower, the central post for all of the U.S. Army’s

cybersecurity operations.

You’ll also find Augusta Technical College, which partners with both of these entities in its efforts to create a strong workforce. The college is committed to bolstering the number of people entering the field and ensuring they have the most up-todate knowledge and skills to do their job well.

As part of that effort, it recently partnered with industry leaders, local business organizations, other educational entities, and government experts for the inaugural Georgia

Cyber Innovation Summit, which was held at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center this past May.

The summit boasted an impressive lineup of speakers, such as government officials like the chief information officer for the state of Georgia and high-profile experts from renowned organizations like Microsoft, Truist, and NCR Voyix.

More than 200 registrants from across Georgia attended. “We had all the top corporate execs, plus the state cybersecurity leaders, a number of educators,” Dr. Whirl says. “It

Augusta Tech cybersecurity students Collin Crowe and Nyeelah Lee

was probably one of the best, most comprehensive summits that has been put on in the state of Georgia.”

The event was so successful, another one will be held in Atlanta in October, and it will become an annual event.

Community Collaboration

While Augusta is a mighty hub of cybersecurity experts and innovation, metro Atlanta, with its Fortune 500 companies, hospital systems, and numerous city governments, has a wealth of opportunities for those seeking careers in cybersecurity. Gwinnett Technical College and Atlanta Technical College are both working in their communities to strengthen people’s knowledge and awareness of what is possible with cybersecurity degrees.

“People think cybersecurity, that you have to work for an IT company,” says Dr. Victoria Seals, president of Atlanta Technical College. “But companies like The Home Depot and those that have big point of sales also have really large cybersecurity divisions.”

“The jobs are there, the demand is there,” agrees Albena AsenovaBelal, cybersecurity program director for Gwinnett Tech. “We just need to provide them with the skills they need.”

Those who work to prevent and recover from ransomware attacks such as the one in June are usually who comes to mind when you think of cybersecurity. But the industry is much broader than just the people protecting our data.

With a cybersecurity degree, you can pursue a career as a cryptanalyst, data protection officer, cybersecurity investigator, security code auditor, and more. Cyber technicians detect and prevent cyber-attacks, monitor network activity to prevent internal attacks, employ encryption techniques, and do disaster and incident recovery, auditing, and system testing.

The demand is high and only going

to grow, so where will the people come from to fill these jobs?

To help find undiscovered talent out in the community, Atlanta Technical College is partnering with Elevance Health on an innovative program that doesn’t just fill empty IT positions, it supports and trains those in underserved communities, such as those who grew up in foster care, to find success in a long-term and highpaying career.

“It’s a talent pool that’s untapped,” says Monty Green, manager of the Elevance Health IT Apprenticeship Program. “So, we train the individuals to give them what all of us want, which

is a good life and to earn good income.”

Launched in 2018, the program has so far provided a career pathway for four cohorts of six to eight students. Over the course of four to five years, the apprentices receive on-the-job training within the company’s IT departments, along with professional career development guidance and mentoring. Apprentices also obtain their IT or cybersecurity degree at Atlanta Technical College while they are paid to work at Elevance Health.

Gwinnett Technical College Dean of Computer Science Garfield Anderson and Cybersecurity Program Director Albena AsenovaBelal
Gwinnett Technical College Cybersecurity Program Director Albena Asenova-Belal

“Those who came into our program in the beginning are all still here. They are moving into these positions and doing the jobs. Many have won awards for their work in their departments,” Green says. “These are individuals that on paper, someone said because of their background, because of the zip code they may live in, they can’t do the job. They’re not hirable. And we’re saying, well, that’s not really true.”

At Atlanta Tech, many of its students like those in the Elevance Health IT Apprenticeship Program live in the surrounding metro Atlanta area and are not planning or wanting to move elsewhere. For them, getting a good job means getting a good job in Atlanta.

“We’re serving individuals who have lived in the Atlanta area their entire lives. They really aren’t looking to move,” Dr. Seals says. “So, it’s really critically important that we enable them to experience economic mobility and be able to afford to stay in their hometown.”

Augusta Tech is also ensuring those who want to continue their education can do so locally. In April, TCSG signed an agreement with Augusta University that allows students who earn a two-year associate degree at Augusta Tech or any of the other 22 technical colleges in Georgia to transfer to Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences to pursue a bachelor’s in cybersecurity. The agreement, which officially began this fall, is the first of its kind in the state of Georgia.

“It’s the first statewide agreement ever in the history of both systems that a tech college has an agreement with a research institution,” Dr. Whirl says. “It’s a big deal.”

Always Looking Ahead

The cybersecurity field is constantly changing as new ways of infiltrating systems and accessing people’s data are developed. So TCSG colleges are continuously adapting and updating

curriculum to stay current.

“Hackers are learning new ways to hack, so the training has to change on a regular basis,” Gwinnett Tech’s Anderson says. “And when I say regular, I mean like every six months. It’s that frequent.”

“Because everything changes so rapidly, we need to update our content every two, three semesters for all the courses we have,” agrees AsenovaBelal.

Plus, there’s new technology and ways we interact with it, such as through IoT and AI.

“It seems to be shifting more toward artificial intelligence and how one can use it. That is a real challenge for the industry,” says Phil Plantamura, COO of Security Onion Solutions, which offers a free, open platform for threat hunting, network security monitoring, and log management that counts the U.S. government as one of its users. Plantamura sits on Augusta Tech’s cybersecurity advisory board, which helps the college’s classes focus on the skills needed now by employers. He also lends his time and expertise to talk with classes, share knowledge, and mentor students one-on-one.

“It’s something that is kind of required when you have a product discussion with someone,” he says. “They want to know immediately what kind of machine learning or artificial intelligence capabilities you have.”

To address these new advances, TCSG colleges are launching new programs and tweaking existing ones to stay current while also training people for jobs that didn’t exist 10 years ago.

Augusta Tech began offering an associate degree in cloud computing and solutions last year, and in August, it launched a new data analytics AI integration certificate program.

“We also have the only accounting cybersecurity degree in the state, which is integrating cybersecurity into our accounting program for financial services,” Dr. Whirl says. “We moved into cloud computing and now we’re into AI. So, I believe our college has

Augusta Technical College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl
Augusta Technical College cybersecurity students at the Georgia Cyber Center
We have a 99% job placement rate, we align with our employer partners to make sure that our programs are preparing graduates with the competencies that the companies need, and they are going straight to work.”
-Dr. Victoria Seals, president of Atlanta Technical College

put a significant stamp in terms of what IT and cybersecurity education looks like.”

Atlanta Tech is also integrating conversations about AI into its cybersecurity classes.

“It’s a tool for our teams and for our instructors as we engage in training, teaching students not to be afraid of new technologies or tools such as AI, but to really embrace it,” Atlanta Tech’s Dr. Seals says. “When they’re working to protect different systems, they can recognize those bots and different ways that bad actors are using AI.”

“We’re also looking into AI now, the big elephant in the room,” AsenovaBelal says. “Everybody’s talking about using it and wants to implement it, teach the students how to use it as a learning tool, not as a cheating tool.”

Thanks to all these efforts to keep

students as up to date and skilled as possible, Plantamura has found that graduates from TCSG’s Augusta Tech are ready to work and knowledgeable about the field.

“It’s nice to know they’re being prepared, like their knowledge of networking, routing and firewalls, hardware, knowledge of different hardware components,” Plantamura says. “Understanding virtualization, cloud technologies and how to troubleshoot when something’s wrong.”

Ultimately, the outlook for cybersecurity jobs is strong with no signs of slowing down. Especially here in Georgia, there will be plenty of job openings in the future.

“The fact that we have a lot of the cybersecurity organizations moving to Georgia tells me that they recognize that Georgia can provide the quality

employees that they desire,” Gwinnett Tech’s Anderson says.

And TCSG ensures there’s a solid pipeline of skilled workers for the jobs to come.

“We have a 99% job placement rate,” Dr. Seals says. “We align with our employer partners to make sure that our programs are preparing graduates with the competencies that the companies need, and they are going straight to work.”

“You don’t need an SAT, you don’t need an ACT, you don’t need a Compass exam. You come right in the door. We take people as they are, and we take them from their level and we get them to being an expert,” Dr. Whirl says. “That’s the beauty of technical education.”

Soaring High

The Unstoppable Journey of Adult Learners

Each year, TCSG’s Office of Adult Education celebrates adult learners from around the state who have demonstrated excellence in their local Adult Education class. Each student is designated as an Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) and participates in the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute, where they are recognized for their accomplishments while building leadership and communication skills. The EAGLE Institute and TCSG’s Office of Adult Education empower learners to overcome obstacles, showcasing the transformative impact of adult education. Their success stories illustrate how dedication and support can propel individuals to new career heights, positively impacting Georgia’s workforce long after they have been named an EAGLE.

Tasia Golston

Tasia Golston, the 2019 EAGLE delegate from Atlanta Technical College, exemplifies the power of perseverance and ambition in adult education. After obtaining her High School Equivalency (HSE), Golston pursued an associate degree in culinary arts, graduating in 2020. This accomplishment opened doors for her to work as a traveling sous chef and restaurant manager, where her culinary talent and leadership skills grew. Her education and experience led her to a role as the food and beverage manager at Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina, during the summer of 2022.

At Sanderling Resort, Golston managed front-of-house operations, collaborating with staff to ensure exceptional guest experiences. She describes her time there as “a beautiful wrinkle in time,” particularly cherishing her time at “The Life Saving Station,” an historic site where those in maritime distress could receive help. The station eventually formed the basis for the Coast Guard.

Angela Doebler, assistant director of food and beverage at the resort, praises Golston’s contributions, “Tasia’s success in such a demanding environment makes her a standout candidate for any opportunity.”

Golston’s enthusiasm for hospitality is clear: “As a chef, I love transforming my passion into nourishing dishes, and as a leader, I take pride in supporting my staff and ensuring an exceptional guest experience,” she says. Currently, Golston works as a traveling food and beverage manager with PHM Management.

Looking ahead, Golston aspires to own a bed and breakfast and return to college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. She recognizes the employment opportunity that a high school credential afforded her. “My GED helped me get into a traveling chef position, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Charlie “Jaycee” Scott

Jaycee Scott was Southeastern Technical College’s (STC) 2022 EAGLE delegate.

Reflecting on her experience, Scott says, “Missing out on typical high school experiences like prom was tough, but the EAGLE Institute was a fantastic opportunity. I got to go to Atlanta, meet amazing people who had similar educational journeys, and it opened new experiences for me.”

After earning her High School Equivalency diploma, Scott was hired to work part-time in the Adult Education department at STC, administering GED exams on campus and at the Emanuel Women’s Facility, a state prison in Swainsboro. She also enrolled in the business technology program at STC. In May 2024, she received her associate of applied science. Next, Scott has plans to enroll fulltime in Valdosta State University’s online program to pursue a bachelor of science in office administration and technology starting in fall 2024.

Scott now works full-time as an admissions assistant for STC’s student affairs department.

“Ms. Scott’s unmatched work ethic, evident in her dedication and active participation in various events, demonstrates her commitment to becoming an invaluable asset to STC,” says Brad Hart, director of enrollment services.

Scott intends to remain employed at STC while attending school and advance within the organization. Scott’s message to others is clear: “No matter your past or what you’ve been through, you can continue your education and accomplish your goals. There’s always a way forward.”

Jonathan Swinsburg

Jonathan Swinsburg exemplifies the transformative power of adult education. After earning his High School Equivalency (HSE), he became Athens Technical College’s (ATC) EAGLE delegate and was later selected as Georgia’s 2017 EAGLE ambassador. In this role, he traveled statewide, advocating for lifelong learning and the importance of earning an HSE credential, inspiring many to pursue their educational goals.

Earning his HSE was a springboard for Swinsburg, allowing him to pursue further studies at ATC, where he earned an associate degree in electrical systems technology.

While studying, Swinsburg began his career as a lab assistant for ATC’s electrical program and later became a part-time adjunct professor. He was soon promoted to a fulltime industrial systems instructor, a position that fueled his passion for education.

“Now that I’m teaching, I strive to help students unlock their potential. I believe we all have it, but there’s a lot of self-doubt, and that’s my mission,” says Swinsburg.

“Jonathan is a true testament to hard work, dedication, and persistence,” says Dr. Andrea Daniel, president of ATC. “He continues to promote education by serving as an outstanding instructor and program chair at Athens Technical College. I am extremely proud of Jonathan and appreciate the significant contribution that he provides for our students, the college, and workforce education.”

Swinsburg’s passion for learning continues as he works toward a bachelor’s degree in math and German studies at the University of Georgia. He also serves as the industrial and electrical systems program chair at Athens Technical College.

“I truly believe in the mission of the college and the program that I work in, and I just love what I do,” says Swinsburg. “To hear that I have helped students secure a job is so rewarding, and to think it all started with adult education for me.”

Rendering of the Hyundai Mobility Training Center in Ellabell, Ga.

The Centers of Attention

How Georgia’s links to South Korea helped reshape Georgia Quick Start

Kia Georgia Training Center in West Point, Ga.
Rendering of the second building at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Pooler, Ga.

Gov. Brian Kemp made international headlines when he visited South Korea in June, when he met with the South Korean president and toured the demilitarized zone. That trip was the next step in a long-term economic relationship between the Peach State and South Korea, Georgia’s top international investor for three years.

The Georgia-Korea relationship is just now taking its turn in the spotlight, but backstage, Georgia Quick Start has been building its Korea connection for more than 30 years. And during that time, Quick Start’s operational model has changed dramatically.

South Korea’s serious interest in Georgia began in 1996 when SKC, a maker of polyester film, announced it was going to build a $1.5 billion manufacturing plant in Newton County. According to then-Gov. Zell Miller and SKC officials, one of the deciding factors behind the company’s decision was a then-little-known program called Georgia Quick Start.

“We will get you started and then continue to supply the skilled workers you need as the years go by,” Miller told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in April 1996. It was the first time Quick Start appeared in the press as a factor in economic development decision-making. “State’s Quick Start program has influence,” read an AJC headline.

Just 10 years later, Kia Motors announced its historymaking decision to locate in Georgia. Part of the agreement included not just Quick Start’s training, but the first standalone training center to be designed and operated by Quick Start’s team.

Fast forward to the history-making announcements coming from South Korean companies today: Hanwha Qcells, SK Battery, Hyundai Motor Group, and more.

Twenty years ago Quick Start delivered its training via RV’s loaded with computers or packed vans with technical control systems, and it has continually adapted new strategies for training as technology evolved. Quick Start still delivers training on-site for companies, but since the Kia Georgia Training Center opened in 2008, more Quick Start-operated training centers have appeared, focused on a variety of industry sectors from bioscience and aviation to lithium-ion battery manufacturing and EV assembly.

Now, Quick Start is again putting on hard hats and steeltoed boots to walk the construction sites of two new training facilities: the Hyundai Mobility Training Center of Georgia and the Quick Start Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Pooler. Both projects were initiated to help train the more than 10,000 employees projected to be hired by Hyundai and its suppliers.

South Georgia Technical College aviation students

TCSG’s aviation maintenance and avionics programs are helping Georgia’s $57.5-billion aerospace industry soar

hen you think of aviation in Georgia, perhaps you picture Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. After all, it’s the busiest airport in the world. Or maybe you imagine a Gulfstream luxury plane flying into a private airport. Or perhaps a Thrush Aircraft crop-duster soaring over Georgia’s fields of peanuts and corn.

Here in Georgia, the aviation industry is all that and more. In fact, over 800 aerospace companies call Georgia home, including big names like Delta Air Lines, Lockheed Martin, and Pratt & Whitney.

Each of those companies need skilled employees to build and maintain aircraft, and that demand is only going to increase thanks to the existing workforce beginning to retire even as the industry continues to grow.

The Technical College System of Georgia is partnering with the state’s aerospace industry to bolster that workforce through FAA-approved airframe and powerplant (A&P) courses, avionics, and more.

“Our mission as a technical college and as a technical college system is workforce training,” says Dr. John Watford, president of South Georgia Technical College. “We don’t check the box when students graduate. We check the box when they get employed in the field that they trained in.”

“Our mission as a technical college and as a technical college system is workforce training... we don’t check the box when students graduate. We check the box when they get employed in the field that they trained in.”
Dr. John Watford, president of South Georgia Technical College

A History of Flight

Georgia’s connection to the aviation industry goes way back – more than 115 years to when Ben Epps made his first flight in Athens. Not even a decade later, in 1917, the infrastructure and land for what would eventually become South Georgia Tech was established as a training base for U.S. Army pilots.

South Georgia Tech’s very history is interwoven with the aviation industry. Charles Lindbergh, who would go on to fly non-stop from New York to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis in 1927, first learned to fly on the grounds that would become South Georgia Tech. And it was here that during WWII, the British Royal Air Force could safely train its forces – one of only three sites in the U.S. to do so.

When the college was officially established in 1948, aviation maintenance was one of the original programs offered – and is still offered today “We’re proud of our legacy as

an aviation maintenance college,” says Watford.

Students can test for FAA certification after successfully completing the program, earning an Air Frame and Power Plant license, which they can use to work anywhere in the world. The majority of graduates, however, choose to stay in Georgia.

That’s important for companies like Delta Air Lines and Lockheed Martin, both of which partner with TCSG colleges to fill their ranks.

“Our ability to grow would not be possible without those partnerships,” says David Logan, vice president for production operations for Lockheed Martin. “Our key priority as a company is strengthening our Georgia skilled workforce, ensuring we have a robust pool.”

A global company with more than 120,000 employees, one of Lockheed Martin’s biggest campuses is in Marietta. There, the company manufactures the C-130 line of aircraft and the first phase of the F-35

South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford
South Georgia Tech students Blake Oliver, Morgan Harnage, Jeffrey Stewart with instructor David Grant (l to r)

Lightning II center wing assembly and employs more than 6,000 people.

Today, Georgia’s aviation landscape is as vast as the sky itself. In fact, the aerospace sector is Georgia’s second largest manufacturing industry, generating a $57.5-billion economic impact. Aerospace products are also Georgia’s No. 1 export, accounting for $11.1 billion in exports in 2023.

All those companies need a workforce that knows how to move around – and build – a plane. And when a student completes any of the 15 certificates and diplomas at the six TCSG colleges that offer aviationrelated degrees and certificates, they will be ready to work on pretty much anything that can fly through the sky.

“The FAA A&P license certifies them to work on any non-military aircraft in the United States,” Watford says. “That means helicopters, passenger planes, private planes, even hot air balloons.”

But there’s so much more to aviation jobs in Georgia than just maintenance. “We have Lockheed Martin that’s assembling entire aircraft,” says Jason Tanner, executive vice president of instruction for Chattahoochee Technical College. “But we also have a lot of industries that provide the components, the machining, the tooling, the seats that go into an airplane.”

There are already more than 200,000 people currently employed in Georgia’s aerospace industry, but that nowhere near addresses the need.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of avionics – which deals with the plane’s electrical systems – and aircraft equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 4% through 2032, on average about 12,800 new job openings a year.

Here in Georgia, that demand is being fueled in part by the existing skilled workforce aging and getting set to retire.

According to one recent study, most aircraft mechanics are over 40 years old, and some 35% of the current

South Georgia Technical College student Audrey Pavik
South Georgia Technical College students with aviation instructors Paul Pearson (far left) and David Grant (far right)

Chattahoochee Tech

celebrated the grand opening of its Aviation Training Academy at the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport in Dallas.

The three-story, 55,000square-foot facility includes a 12,000-square-foot hanger, instructional labs, classrooms, a technical library, testing lab, and classroom space, all with the ability to train up to 200 students at a time.

workforce is 55 to 64 years old. “So, for the next 10 to 15 years, the rate of retirement is going to grow and create those openings for A&P mechanics,” says Jimmie Smith, dean of aviation at Savannah Technical College.

“We had big hiring in the late ’80s and early ’90s, so those folks are all getting ready to retire in the next five years,” says Mark Sandrin, general manager for Delta TechOps Learning and Development. Delta TechOps is the operational division of Delta Air Lines responsible for maintaining the safety and reliability of the airline’s fleet of almost 900 mainline aircraft and has some 12,000 employees, around half of which are licensed and certified aviation mechanics.

Sandrin also notes that during that time, there was a big emphasis on attaining a four-year college degree. Now, that trend is starting to shift as more people see the value in a technical college education and the high-paying, quality jobs you can get after graduation.

There’s also a need for more skilled employees thanks to the state’s solid reputation – in 2023, Georgia celebrated 10 years as the No. 1 state for business according to Area Development magazine, the only state

to ever reach this benchmark – and more aerospace companies continue to call Georgia home.

“There’s a very high demand. We cannot satisfy the market, to be honest,” says Watford, who adds that they currently have five full-time aviation maintenance instructors and are looking to add a sixth soon. “Because the demand’s so high, most [graduates] stay in Georgia to work.”

Lockheed Martin’s Logan agrees, saying that the company’s partnership with TCSG has been crucial to expanding its workforce. “The growth that we’ve experienced at Lockheed Martin, we would not have been able to fill the over 1,000 jobs that we’ve filled in the high-tech and high-paying roles without that partnership,” he says.

The Sky’s the Limit

Just north of Atlanta in Paulding County, Chattahoochee Tech is working to address workforce challenges by investing in the future of its aviation programs in a big way – with a brandnew facility.

This past spring, Chattahoochee Tech celebrated the grand opening of its Aviation Training Academy at the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport in Dallas. The three-story, 55,000-square-foot facility

Chattahoochee Technical College aviation students repairing an airplane wing
Chattahoochee Technical College Aviation Training Academy in Dallas, Ga.
Chattahoochee Technical College students Elmer Sanchez (l) and Savion Wosely

includes a 12,000-square-foot hanger, instructional labs, classrooms, a technical library, testing lab, and classroom space, all with the ability to train up to 200 students at a time.

Students can earn aviation certificates and degrees and go on to find success in high-demand careers in the repair, service, and maintenance of airframe components and power plant systems and components like engines, landing gear, brakes, and air-conditioning systems.

The new academy’s location makes sense for many reasons.

“We have a lot of students in our service area because we have Cobb County, and we have Cherokee County. We have growing counties like Paulding, Bartow, ones that we know there’s more manufacturing coming. There’s more commercial travel in Georgia, more freight travel,” Tanner says. “There’s just going to be more and more aviation mechanics needed.”

While some students started in the upholstery and avionics tracks when the facility opened in the spring, the first full cohort of A&P students started this fall after the college received its FAA certification. It takes two years to complete the program and receive an aviation mechanics diploma – one that requires FAA approval of the curriculum and the students testing for certification before they can get a job following graduation.

“It’s a little over 80 hours for those certificates,” Tanner says.

The FAA also regulates the teacher to student ratio with 25 students for every teacher. With four instructors already on board, Chattahoochee Tech is aiming to soon have 100 students in its A&P program.

But even if students are interested in getting started in the industry faster than two years, TCSG colleges have a path forward. Many programs that do not involve aircraft maintenance, such as the aircraft upholstery, aircraft structure, and avionics certificates, have a much faster path to employment.

“We have upholstery, we have

cabinetry, we have avionics, we have sheet metal,” Savannah Tech’s Smith says. “Depending on how quickly you want to get into the workplace, some of our courses are as short as eight and 16 weeks, just to get their certificate and get employed.”

Most people coming out of these programs get a job quickly, and the starting salary is solid. The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics, service technicians, and avionics technicians is $70,000-$75,000 a year.

That’s especially a good deal when you consider that aerospace is considered a high-demand industry, so with the HOPE Career Grant for aviation technology, some students can earn their certificate or degree practically for free, then go on to have a long, high-paying career.

“If a person comes here, there’s opportunity for them to advance over the course of their career and build a very dynamic, very good career over time,” Logan says. “We offer excellent longterm, good-paying career opportunities. There’s a lot of people who have come in here, and this is where they have spent their entire career.”

While graduates typically land at some of the larger, more wellknown companies like Delta Air Lines, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream, many also work at one of the military bases throughout the state.

“We do work a lot with the military,” Watford says. “We send a lot of students, especially avionic students, to Warner Robins’s air logistics base to work in the civil service.”

And that works both ways, with military vets coming to TCSG to build on their experiences, as well for a career following their service.

“We have a lot of military veterans come to us if they’re in the Air Force or work on planes – even in the Army or the Navy, they learn how to work on planes – but they don’t get an A&P license when they’re in the military,” Watford says. “So, they can work on military planes, but they’re not licensed to work on non-military.”

Chattahoochee Technical College student Logan Elmore

Piloting a Pipeline

While TCSG is busy creating a strong workforce to meet demand, getting people into the pipeline for aviation maintenance can be a challenge.

While many students first learned about the possibilities of a career in aviation mechanics because they grew up around it – either a family member was a mechanic themselves or maybe piloted planes – many don’t know the career path’s potential.

“A lot of young people who don’t grow up around some form of aviation, they don’t know what great opportunities are there,” Watford says.

Aviation classes often attract the same people that the auto technician, engineering, and welding programs do – people who took things apart and put them back together when they were kids.

“Those types of people who like to tinker, have a mechanical aptitude, and understand how engines work –we get a lot of those students as well,” Watford says.

And many of the skills learned in

those other career tracks offered by TCSG can be transferred to aviation.

“We’ve approached that with the automotive students, our industrial maintenance students, our diesel technician students, welding students,” Tanner says. “We are telling all of them about aviation.”

“You have to think outside the box, so to speak, to realize that the aviation industry probably has employment for people from all different skill sets and not just the airframe and power plant side of it,” Watford agrees.

Chattahoochee Tech is also working with local high schools to get the word out about their new programs, and down on the coast, Savannah Tech has partnered with Gulfstream and nearby Robert W. Groves High School on a four-year aviation manufacturing and service program. High school students who participate gain a deep knowledge of the aviation industry, including aviation history and regulations, the key principles of flight, technologies, aviation meteorology, and the basics of aircraft maintenance, performance, and design.

Once they complete the program, they will have earned three aviation technical certificates of credit (TCC) as dual enrollment students. They also get the opportunity to job shadow and complete apprenticeships at Gulfstream. The first three students to graduate from the aircraft maintenance and manufacturing program in 2023 all committed to employment at Gulfstream Aerospace.

Regardless of which TCSG college a student chooses to earn their aviation certificates and diplomas and how they go about it, they are practically guaranteed a job once they graduate.

“Aviation is not going away. Commercial and private planes are more ubiquitous than ever. There’s a strong earnings potential, and it’s fun. It’s fun being around the airplanes and all those things that fly and coming in contact with people from all over the world on a daily basis,” Watford says. “So, it just has a lot of attractive aspects to any young person. It checks all the right boxes.”

Chattahoochee Technical College student Adam Helton (l) with aviation instructor, Scott Vandiver

ADAM ROOP

Aviation Maintenance Technology, Georgia Northwestern Technical College ‘16

Q

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in aviation maintenance?

AR From a young age, I was fascinated by airplanes. My dream was to become a fighter pilot in the Air Force and fly F-15s, which remain my favorite fighter jets. When I was about nine, I participated in the EAA Young Eagles program, where volunteer pilots take children aged 8-17 flying in their personal airplanes. I also enjoyed working with my hands, helping my grandfather repair cars and lawnmowers, and taking shop classes in high school. Combining my passion for airplanes and hands-on work, I pursued a career in aviation maintenance.

Q What factors influenced your decision to enroll in the aviation maintenance technology program at GNTC?

AR Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) was the nearest college to my home that offered an aviation maintenance program. I appreciated the program’s structure, where students complete all general classes first, followed by airframe and powerplant courses. This arrangement allowed me to become a certified airframe mechanic while still completing my powerplant training.

Q

How did your time at GNTC prepare you for your career in aviation maintenance?

AR The aviation maintenance program at GNTC provided me with the fundamental skills required to obtain my airframe and powerplant certificate. This gave me the foundation needed for employment at Delta where I continue to build my skills through on-the-job training.

QHow did you secure your position at Delta after graduating from GNTC?

AR I applied for an aircraft support mechanic position in Cincinnati, Ohio. After being scheduled to take mechanical and spatial aptitude tests, I drove up and successfully passed them. Following the tests, I had an interview. A few days later, I received a call offering me the job, and the rest is history.

QWhat was the transition like from being a student at GNTC to working at a major airline like Delta?

AR Transitioning from working on pistonpowered airplanes to massive commercial aircraft capable of safely transporting people and cargo across the country or even the world was exciting. Even after nearly eight years, I still find it hard to believe that I get to work on these enormous airplanes.

Q

What do you enjoy most about your work in aviation maintenance?

AR I know that every time I walk into work, it’s going to be different. One day I might be working on an engine, and the next I could be on a lift 50-60 feet in the air. I truly enjoy the variety that this career offers.

TOMORROW

Rebuilding

Georgia’s

workforce through a reimagined workforce development system

On a bright April morning, Savannah Tech’s usual bustle of students and faculty was replaced with a line of more than 1,200 people awaiting entry into Ekberg Auditorium. They were not there for a keynote speaker or conference but for a chance to start a career at Hyundai Metaplant, set to build some of the most advanced electric vehicles in the world.

With production expected to start in late 2024, the Hyundai Metaplant is the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history, bringing $7.59 billion in investment and over 8,500 jobs to the Savannah area. To assist in this historic and monumental undertaking of connecting Georgians to these new jobs, Hyundai and the state of Georgia turned to WorkSource Georgia, a division of TCSG.

WorkSource Georgia, much like the Metaplant, has recently undergone a monumental building process to bring innovation and access to Georgians seeking to advance their careers.

WorkSource Georgia 2.0

Established at TCSG in 2018, WorkSource Georgia administers federal and state workforce development grants and programs that provide innovative and integrated workforce development solutions to individuals, businesses, and communities.

Since 2023, WorkSource Georgia, internally known as the Office of Workforce Development (OWD), has nearly tripled in size, becoming TCSG’s single largest division, as it began administering the federal Wagner-Peyser program that offers

career services to all Georgians who are eligible to work.

OWD oversees a comprehensive workforce development portfolio for the state, mostly comprised of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs. These programs invest critical funding for job training, job search, recruitment, and specialized programs to engage untapped populations of the workforce, such as veterans and individuals with disabilities.

“The influence and impact of WorkSource and TCSG is much broader than most Georgians realize. Whether you’re consuming a Georgia-grown product or flying through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, we have played a role in ensuring that Georgia has a ready workforce to keep our state’s economic engine running,” says Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development Karen Kirchler.

Meeting Business Needs

As the top state to do business, Georgia is home to a wide range of in-demand industries and businesses that each have unique workforce needs. From registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) to job fairs and hiring events, WorkSource Georgia offers a full suite of services to employers that can help at all stages of a business’s lifecycle.

“It’s not uncommon for us to assist a company that is closing operations, and then turn around to help recruit and retrain those employees for a new or expanding company nearby,” says Brandon Ona, director of apprenticeships and business services. “Yes, we play an important role in how large economic development projects build their workforce, but the vast majority of our services are delivered to small to medium-sized businesses. That’s where we have our biggest impact.”

Small to medium-sized businesses comprise most of Georgia’s businesses and are also where more than 80% of Georgians are employed. A key service to small businesses that WorkSource Georgia offers is providing economic and labor market information to help find workers and understand what skills gaps there are in a community.

“We spend a lot of time listening to companies and how they make decisions and invest in their employees. Many times, our job is to provide actionable information and communicate what it means for them,” says Jamon Williams, director of business services. “Companies may think a job fair is the only solution, but if we can show that the skills they are looking for are rare in that area, that can change their approach. Especially, when we can then help connect them with a local technical college that provides the skills training they need.”

By operating within TCSG, WorkSource Georgia has direct connections to other workforce development programs and entities, like technical colleges, that are often integrated into the services provided. With a strong attention to seamless service delivery and emphasis on leveraging partnerships, Georgia businesses often do not notice where one program starts and another ends.

“The workforce challenges our businesses face are complex. The difference is that here in Georgia, we take the responsibility to coordinate our services so that businesses don’t really have to. Some call it southern hospitality, but we think of it being transformative, not transactional,” says Ona.

New Frontiers

While much of the past few years has been a building phase for OWD, there is a strong emphasis on how services will be delivered to Georgia’s future workforce.

This year, WorkSource Georgia launched the WorkSource Georgia Portal, an online labor exchange system that provides services directly to job seekers and businesses. Through the portal, job seekers can look for jobs, write their resumes, find training opportunities, and more. Businesses on the other hand can access a workforce that they have trouble finding, raise visibility of their job openings, and tap into other resources, such as virtual job fairs, to help build their talent pipelines.

“We’re so excited to have launched the WorkSource Georgia portal. This helps us meet jobseekers and businesses where they are, at all hours of the day,” says Kirchler. “But

we also know that the personal touches of talking to a real person in real-time can never be replaced. That’s why we are leaning into virtual to extend our reach.”

WorkSource Georgia is currently testing and piloting a virtual kiosk service that will be rolled out in communities throughout the state. This will expand access to Georgians with the greatest needs and connect them directly to trained professionals who can help them navigate starting or advancing their careers.

“It’s not every day you get to rebuild a workforce system. We know the unique opportunity before us and are committed to ensuring that all employers in Georgia, from Hyundai to regional hospitals to local manufacturers, have access to the services they need to succeed,” says Kirchler.

In 2024, WorkSource Georgia launched an online labor exchange system called the WorkSource Georgia Portal. This portal offers job seekers the ability to search for jobs, write resumes, and find training opportunities, while businesses can use it to access talent, post job openings, and participate in virtual job fairs.

WorkSource Georgia Director of Operations J.J. Irvine.

ALBANY Tech and Phoebe TO Open Cutting-edge Living and Learning Community

Albany Technical College (ATC) and Phoebe Putney Health System have embarked on an innovative venture designed to address the pressing need for healthcare professionals in Southwest Georgia. The Living and Learning Community, set to open this fall, repurposes historic Albany High School into an educational hub that will significantly increase the number of qualified nurses by expanding ATC’s nursing program capacity from 54 to 200 students.

The new facility, a 130,000-square-foot complex, will be equipped with state-of-the-art telehealth-enhanced classrooms and a comprehensive health career education center. It will also include affordable housing, with 80 apartments designed for nursing students, fostering a supportive environment that encourages their academic and professional growth.

“I am extremely proud of this pioneering approach we’ve undertaken with Phoebe,” says Dr. Emmett Griswold, president of Albany Technical College. “This partnership not only revives a historic site, it also redefines healthcare education in our region. We are excited to launch the Living

and Learning Community, which represents a significant leap forward in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. It’s a new effort that promises to strengthen our community and enhance our capacity to meet the healthcare needs of Southwest Georgia and beyond.”

Phoebe is funding the $45 million construction, viewing it as a critical investment in regional healthcare infrastructure that promises a quick return by converting contract nursing positions into full-time roles. This initiative is expected to not only stabilize local healthcare staffing, but also integrate students more deeply into the community.

The Living and Learning Community will also house the Southwest Campus of the Medical College of Georgia and the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy Southwest Georgia Clinical Campus, creating a robust educational ecosystem. This collaboration between ATC and Phoebe signifies a forward-thinking approach to healthcare education, ensuring that the pipeline of nursing and other medical professionals remains strong in the face of ongoing and future challenges.

Albany Technical College nursing students Linda Osei (l) and Shanta Miller

Athens Tech opens new Industrial Systems Technology Building

Athens Technical College celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Industrial Systems Technology Building, a 39,000-square-foot facility that embodies a commitment to cutting-edge education and innovation.

The new building, a $17.2 million project, will be a hub for various crucial programs designed to prepare students for careers in industries vital to the region’s growth. The following key programs will find a home in the facility.

• Air Conditioning Technology: Led by Program Chair Coleman Simmons, this program prepares students for careers in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. The expanded space more than triples the capacity and allows for new equipment.

• Mechatronics: A multidisciplinary field essential for contemporary automated manufacturing, mechatronics provides the foundation for expected growth in automation and manufacturing. Program Chair Jonathan Swinsburg will lead this cutting-edge program.

• Industrial Systems Technology: This program, also led by Swinsburg, trains technicians to maintain and repair various machines used in industry, a critical role in keeping automated machines and robots in good working order.

• Economic Development Services: Under the leadership of Vice President for Economic Development and Elbert County Campus Al McCall, this team provides noncredit workforce development programs and lifelong learning opportunities to businesses and individuals in an 11-county region.

“This building was one of my first priorities after becoming president,” said Dr. Andrea Daniel, president of Athens

Technical College, at the event. “It’s so exciting to see it come to fruition. It wouldn’t have happened without an incredible team.”

The project’s success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of numerous companies and individuals. President Daniel extended special thanks to the funding partners, the office of Gov. Brian Kemp, and the Georgia General Assembly, as well as the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, TCSG Facilities Team, Carroll Daniel Project Team, Jericho Design Group, architects, and other project partners.

The ceremony featured guest speakers, including Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz, Georgia State Rep. Houston Gaines, and 10th District U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. Each speaker highlighted the significance of the Industrial Systems Technology Building and its positive impact on education and workforce development in the community.

“This building has been eight years in the making,” said Gaines. “When I first got elected … we saw the need on campus for a facility. It wasn’t because we needed a new building, it was because we needed these instructional classrooms so students can go get good paying jobs. When I look back on what I’ve worked on over the past five years, I can’t think of anything I’m more proud of than this building.”

“This is right in my wheelhouse, I absolutely love the technical colleges,” Collins said. “When people come by our office to talk to us about issues, this is the No. 1 thing that they talk about. We need folks that know how to work and work on the tools that we need going forward. It’s great to be able to tell people we’ve got an incredible technical college system throughout the state of Georgia and they’re meeting those needs, and it’s one of the reasons that businesses are coming to the state of Georgia.”

Atlanta Tech Partnering with the Department of Watershed Management

In the realm of education and workforce development, strategic partnerships play a vital role in enhancing skill development, promoting innovation, and driving economic growth. Atlanta Technical College (ATC) has exemplified the power of collaboration through its dynamic partnership with the city of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM). This innovative collaboration has not only elevated the educational landscape, it has also made a significant impact on the workforce training sector.

The partnership provides watershed management employees with access to earn-while-you-learn training programs. By leveraging the expertise of both entities, a tailored curriculum has been developed to offer training in various specialized fields, including introduction to water treatment processes and distribution; introduction to wastewater treatment, water distribution, and backflow; commercial truck driving (CDL Class A and Class B); and welding.

Through this initiative, employees can gain valuable skills that count toward the course requirements for the Georgia State Water Distribution Examination. Additionally, the program offers Georgia State Board-approved continuing education units in water distribution and backflow, introduction to wastewater treatment, and water treatment processes and distribution.

Participants enrolled in the commercial truck driving program not only have access to training, they also have the opportunity to earn their CDL AP learner’s permit and obtain

a Georgia State Class A or Class B license, depending on their chosen career track. The inclusion of metal arc welding and flux core arc welding courses underscores the commitment to providing employees with nationally recognized American Welding Society certifications.

The launch of the water and wastewater training cohort and the CDL AP learner’s permit training signify the commitment of Atlanta Technical College and the city of Atlanta to prioritize workforce development and upskilling. The unveiling of these programs reflects a shared vision to enhance workforce retention, boost morale, and improve overall efficiency within the Department of Watershed Management.

DWM Commissioner Al Wiggins Jr. and ATC President Dr. Victoria Seals signed a memorandum of understanding to solidify the commitment of both institutions to provide dedicated training programs that elevate employee performance and promote continuous learning.

The collaboration between ATC and the Department of Watershed Management stands as a shining example of how strategic partnerships can revolutionize workforce development. By investing in education, training, and certification, this initiative empowers individuals within the workforce and contributes to the overall growth and prosperity of the community. Through this partnership, Atlanta Technical College continues to uphold its core mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of technical education.

Augusta Tech and the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta launch Accelerate Augusta

Augusta Technical College in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Augusta announced the official launch of Accelerate Augusta, the region’s newest small business incubator and microenterprise center.

This transformative initiative is made possible with $2.3 million in federal funding secured by Sen. Raphael Warnock, underscoring his commitment to fostering local economic development.

The success of Accelerate Augusta is further attributed to the dedication and support of key contributors, including Margaret Woodard, the executive director of the DDA and the DDA board; Augusta Technical College board and trustees; and the city of Augusta government. This joint effort underscores the power of collaboration in driving positive change within the community.

resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Accelerate Augusta, empowering thousands of small businesses with the resources they need to flourish,” says Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Technical College. “This initiative symbolizes a commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic prosperity within our community.”

“We are excited to see Accelerate Augusta, a collaborative project with our partner Augusta Tech, come to fruition.”
-Margaret Woodard, the executive director of the DDA and the DDA board

Accelerate Augusta is poised to become a cornerstone for small business development, providing a dynamic space for entrepreneurs to thrive. Housed in the renovated I.M. Pei Building, in the heart of downtown Augusta, the center will offer essential

“We are excited to see Accelerate Augusta, a collaborative project with our partner Augusta Tech, come to fruition,” says Woodard. “This central hub aims to provide guidance and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners and our ultimate objective is to facilitate small business growth and investment in downtown Augusta.”

As Accelerate Augusta opens its doors, it marks a significant milestone in supporting the economic vibrancy of the region. The partners anticipate a positive impact on local entrepreneurship and look forward to witnessing the success stories that will emerge from this vibrant hub of innovation.

Augusta Technical College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl with Downtown Development Authority of Augusta Executive Director Margaret Woodard

Central Georgia Tech’s Dual Achievement Program Helps Student Land $50,000 Welding Job

As the ink dries on her diploma from the dual achievement program (DAP) at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) Academy, Emily Betsill of Monroe County has landed a job offer unheard of by most teenagers.

Earning above the average Georgia welders’ salary of $15 per hour sounds good for any qualified person out of college, but for the 18-year-old who just received her high school diploma and welding and joining certifications from the dual achievement program, accepting a well-paying job at this age is life-changing.

“I’m excited to start my career,” says Betsill, “You can start [in DAP] at a young age. I started when I was 17, and I will walk in CGTC’s graduation at 18 years old, and I am already going to have my first job that pays really well.”

Betsill says putting her welding skills to work at a local manufacturer offering a competitive salary felt like the mature next step for her. She was able to fast-track her path to a high school diploma through DAP at the CGTC Academy and earned two college credentials while doing so. Her hard work paid off when she landed her job in the high-demand field of welding.

Betsill’s enrollment in the program came after a suggestion by a family friend, Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson, who is also vice chair of CGTC’s board of directors. Wilson, an advocate for technical education, sang the praises of DAP to Betsill’s parents as a way to reinvigorate Betsill on her educational path.

Like many entry points at the college, DAP can be a springboard to career success in a short amount of time.

The Dual Achievement option was piloted in 2021 by five colleges in TCSG, including CGTC. The state initiative gives students ages 16 to 21 an option to earn an accredited Georgia high school diploma through dual credit programming at a high school program housed in a technical college.

“It [DAP] was different from high school, and I loved that about the program,” Betsill says. The diversity of ages of students in her welding class offered more maturity and the energy of it all pushed her to get into her career a little faster, she adds.

“We look forward to supporting students like Emily who come to us searching for an alternative structure to high school,” says CGTC’s Executive Director and Principal for the Dual Achievement Program, Lakeitha Gordon. “Now more than ever, young people are motivated by newer methods to success and are comfortable embracing out-of-the-norm pathways.”

Betsill looks up to students slightly older than she is as examples of what can come of her life with a career in welding starting at an early age.

“Honestly, I have no clue how to handle it,” Betsill says, of how to process big career moves and financial success at an early age. “It’s a lot to handle at 18 years old to realize that I’m going to be making a lot of money.”

Central Georgia Technical College Dual Achievement student Emily Betsill

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Chattahoochee Tech Paralegal Student Lands Job at Georgia State Capitol

When Chattahoochee Technical College student

Amelia Reece decided to make a career change, little did she know that her decision would take her directly to a job at the Georgia State Capitol.

Reece was working as a hospital medical assistant when she enrolled in the paralegal studies program at Chattahoochee Tech. “I worked as a medical assistant after my Dad died in the hospital,” says Reece. “I thought that it would help me heal by taking care of other people.” From the time she was a teenager, her Dad suffered from acute myeloid leukemia. “He died during finals week of May 2020,” says Reece. “I almost dropped out of school and didn’t return because of this.”

Then it was time for a change. “Looking into the legal field, I realized that I could still make a difference in my community without having to be in a medical setting,” says Reece. “Once I started the paralegal classes at Chattahoochee Tech, I found my niche. I realized how much I loved it and that I was very, very good at it.”

Reece worked full time as a paralegal at the Office of Legislative Counsel within the Georgia General Assembly

while completing her degree at Chattahoochee Tech. She graduated in May 2024 with an associate of applied science degree in paralegal studies. As part of her college program last spring, she applied for a student internship at the Georgia attorney general’s office.

“I applied not thinking I would be selected,” says Reece. “A few weeks later, they reached out to me for an interview and I was offered the position.” The student internship at the Georgia attorney general’s office offered her practical experience in things like how to file e-docs, respond to correspondence, and draft pleadings. “I had never worked in a government setting before,” says Reece, “so it was an exciting experience.” She was, in fact, the first paralegal student ever selected for an internship at the attorney general’s office, says Chattahoochee Tech instructor Amie Ray Davis, who leads the college’s paralegal studies program.

Reece then flowed smoothly into a full-time paralegal position for the state’s Office of Legislative Counsel. This office serves as legal counsel for the Georgia General Assembly, which is said to be one of the largest legislatures in the nation. The Office of Legislative Counsel provides services to all members in their official capacities on a confidential, nonpartisan, and impartial basis. Reece handles a large number of case filings, tracks litigation issues, completes legal research, and manages digital file systems.

“I am learning from a team of incredible attorneys within our office,” says Reece. “I’m also getting to take in the experience of a legislative session at the General Assembly.” From January until late March, the Georgia General Assembly meets at the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta.

As she balanced the excitement of working full time at the State Capitol with the goal of completing her college degree, Reece was also busy as a mother of three young children, ages two, four, and eight. “Everything I do is always for them,” says Reece. “I pushed myself to my breaking point to be able to provide for my family and go to school.”

Even the road to enrolling in college was not an easy one for Reece. Life has thrown many challenges her way. “I had my son my senior year of high school. I was a single mom. In 2017, on Dec. 23, I totaled my car leaving me unable to walk for close to four months,” she says. “I had extensive surgery on my leg, and I had a follow-up surgery last year. In 2018 and in 2020, I was hospitalized for respiratory failure and stayed 10-plus days in the hospital.”

“You have to work through the trials,” says Reece. “If you want it bad enough, you will make it happen for yourself. I have hit obstacle after obstacle with my life, and there were moments I didn’t know if I was going to make it to 25. I made mistakes, but I never gave up.”

Chattahoochee Technical College student Amelia Reece

Coastal Pines Tech Elevates Apprenticeship Training with New Facilities

Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) recently celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building on the Camden Campus. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the college’s mission to deliver top-tier education and training in technical and manufacturing fields.

The new building is outfitted with cutting-edge manufacturing technology, including CNC machines, metal and composite 3D printers, a water jet machine, a metrology precision scanner, and manual machining equipment. These advanced tools ensure that students receive hands-on experience in a modern learning environment, directly translating to the skills needed in today’s job market.

The facility significantly enhances the offerings provided to CPTC’s apprenticeship partnership with Trident Refit Facility (TRF) at Kings Bay Naval Base. The apprenticeship program trains students in electrical and maintenance fields, specifically tailored for submarine refit specialty areas.

Apprentices will now have access to the latest technology and equipment, allowing them to hone their skills in a realistic and industry-relevant setting. This hands-on

experience is invaluable, ensuring that apprentices are wellprepared for their roles at TRF Kings Bay.

With more than 400 graduates from the TRF apprenticeship program since 2009, this expansion of facilities ensures that the future of this program will continue and offers room for significant growth.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of our new Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building,” says Lonnie Roberts, president of Coastal Pines Technical College. “This facility embodies our dedication to delivering highquality education and training to our students and it will be instrumental in meeting the workforce needs of our community.”

Covering a 13-county area encompassing 7,433 square miles, Coastal Pines Technical College continues to innovate and grow, ensuring endless opportunities for workforce development. The Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building is a testament to this commitment, providing a robust platform for the continued success and expansion of its apprenticeship programs and the college’s footprint in Southeast Georgia.

Coastal Pines Tech Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building in Camden County, Ga.

Columbus Tech Launches Commercial Truck Driving Training Program to Bolster Regional Transportation Industry

In a significant stride toward addressing the growing workforce demands in the transportation sector, Columbus Technical College is proud to announce the opening of its commercial truck driving training program on Fort Benning Road. This new program will equip aspiring truck drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a vital, growing industry that serves the regional economy.

Nationwide, statewide, and in the Columbus Tech service area, the transportation industry’s unprecedented growth has led to a surge in the need for qualified truck drivers to support logistics, distribution, and supply chain operations. The recent announcement of the 2026 opening of an inland port just north of Columbus will intensify the already strong need for commercial truck drivers in the area. Recognizing this critical and growing demand, Columbus Tech implemented a comprehensive training program to prepare students for successful careers in commercial truck driving.

The program offers a robust curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience. Students learn from seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in the trucking industry, ensuring high-quality training and effective mentorship. Students can access and complete Class A training within four weeks with little out-of-pocket cost.

The program boasts modern training facilities, including the new truck driving range located at the gates of Fort Moore, and industry-standard equipment, providing students with a realistic learning environment. The location is especially convenient for soldiers stationed at Fort Moore and their dependents, and it provides soldiers preparing to exit service with an attractive option and opportunity to participate in the Army Career Skills Program.

The launch of the commercial truck driving training program is evidence of Columbus Tech’s dedication to

fostering economic development and workforce readiness in the region. By providing a steady pipeline of welltrained truck drivers, the college is playing a pivotal role in supporting the transportation infrastructure that keeps the regional economy moving.

Industry leaders have praised Columbus Tech’s initiative, highlighting the program’s potential to address the critical shortage of truck drivers.

“Columbus Water Works has an urgent need for CDL drivers to support our essential operations,” says Jeremy Cummings, vice president of field services, Columbus Water Works. “CDL drivers are crucial for transporting equipment, handling large-scale maintenance projects, and ensuring the efficient delivery of water services to our community. The addition of their new CDL program couldn’t come at a better time.”

This new program not only enhances Columbus Tech’s educational offerings, it also reinforces the college’s role as a vital contributor to regional economic stability and growth.

Georgia Northwestern Tech Women Welding Students Forging A New Path

In a profession long dominated by men, thirteen female students at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) are helping to blaze a new career path for women in the high-demand field of welding.

GNTC Welding and Joining Technology Instructor Billy Brown is working with seven women students at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton and six women students in GNTC’s dual enrollment program at Dade County High School. Fifteen percent of his students at GNTC’s Dalton campus and 27% of his dual enrollment students are women.

do anything on a farm setting, from constructing stalls and cattle shoots to repairing farm equipment.

Yosdel Castaneda, the youngest of the women at 19, says welding intrigued her when she attended GNTC’s Industrial Career Day and lost track of time while using a virtual reality welding simulator. A dual enrollment student at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus, she was taking culinary classes when she asked to take welding classes at GNTC to explore whether she would like to do the “real thing.” Castaneda found her passion in welding, thanks to the Georgia HOPE Career Grant. The grant covers tuition costs in specified highdemand careers, including welding, at any TCSG college.

When Brown began teaching welding at Dade County High School last year, he had one female student in the first class. The program begins with an introductory course and then moves to shielded metal arc welder.

Heidi Martinez is working toward diplomas in welding and joining technology and industrial systems technology at GNTC. She expects to graduate in spring 2026.

Molly Satterfield, who works as a general residential contractor, says she has always loved tinkering. She has earned an electrical systems technology diploma at GNTC and is working toward an industrial systems technology diploma. Satterfield was terrified three years ago when she became a single mother without a job and no idea what to do. She felt she had failed her daughter. As a welder, Satterfield says she wants to “dabble in it all.” She would love to work on bridges, fabricate custom work, create sculptures, and

Arianna Rodriquez, another of Brown’s students at GNTC, recently qualified to compete in welding at the SkillsUSA Georgia Region 1 Qualifying Competition. SkillsUSA is a student-led partnership of education and industry that focuses on preparing graduates for careers in the skilled workforce.

Haley Sullivan, a dual enrollment student and high school junior at Dade County High School will have already earned a basic shielded metal arc welder (SMAW) certificate through GNTC when she graduates high school. This certificate is a prerequisite to the advanced certificate at GNTC. Courses cover arc welding in the flat position, oxyfuel, and plasma cutting.

Audi Williams and Michelle Tatro graduated from Dade High in the spring with a basic SMAW certificate. Williams became interested in welding because “I wanted to be like my dad, stepdad, and papa and know how to do a little bit of everything.”

Sophie Shepherd chose GNTC because of its proximity to home and support students receive as they start their careers. “The coursework has set me above the majority of welders these days,” Shepherd says. “Graduates will be not just ready to enter their industry, but highly qualified for most welding jobs.”

(l to r) Arianna Rodriguez, Yosdel Castaneda, Kelsey Martin, Heidi Martinez, Molly Satterfield, Armida Vicente, and Sophia Shepherd are welding students at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.

Georgia Piedmont Tech Leads Workforce Development with Major Grants and Partnerships

In its ongoing mission of educating and training the workforce in DeKalb, Newton, and Rockdale counties, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has upped its game over the past several months with major grant announcements, partnerships, VIP guests, and workforce development initiatives.

In May, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp joined officials with Johnson Controls Industries and GPTC in recognizing the college as a leader in developing the workforce for the building automation systems industry. Johnson Controls invested $300,000 over the last three years in state-of-the art learning spaces, equipment, and training processes for GPTC’s building automation systems program. Building automation systems (BAS) is a network of connected devices that control and monitor a building’s systems including air conditioning, lighting, fire and security, and plumbing. Following a tour and plaque unveiling at the college, Gov. Kemp visited with faculty, staff, and students, addressing the audience about the importance of building Georgia’s future workforce through investing in hi-tech industries and training.

BAS graduate Justin Hawkins of Atlanta works at the energy plant at Georgia’s Capitol building, other government buildings, and the Governor’s Mansion, where he served on a team that did a complete HVAC system upgrade. Hawkins also completed a degree in GPTC’s air conditioning technology program.

“Enrolling in Georgia Piedmont Tech in 2021, I knew I wanted to try something different and more technologyfacing than the landscaping work I was used to,” Hawkins says. “I hadn’t even finished my second degree with the college and my salary had already more than doubled. The marketable skills I have gained through the programs at GPTC will take me a long way.”

Also in May, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced GPTC as a primary player in the memorandum of terms with the Biden-Harris Administration and GPTC partner South Korea-based SKC/Absolics, a global leader in semiconductor production. The memorandum allocates up to $75 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. Much of investment will be allocated for the construction of a 120,000-square-foot facility in Covington. GPTC is committed to training workers in the assembly of the proprietary glass semiconductor packaging.

In June, Georgia Piedmont was one of a handful of two-year colleges to be awarded a $347,688 grant from the Advanced Technological Education program through the National Science Foundation. The Strengthening High School Initiatives in Future Technology, or S.H.I.F.T. grant, is earmarked for future high school juniors and seniors in mechatronics classes at GPTC. Mechatronics is a booming industry and is defined as a cutting-edge field that merges mechanics, electronics, and computer science to create intelligent machines and systems.

President of Georgia Piedmont Technical College Dr. Tavarez Holston calls this grant award and announcement a “labor of love.”

“Our team has been working on this grant since fall of 2022,” Dr. Holston says. “To see it come to fruition and to know only 11% of colleges that apply for NSF grants are awarded is a testament to what we do here. This award allows us to introduce high school students to career options in emerging technologies that result in high wages. It is timely and relevant for regional workforce development efforts.”

And this is just the beginning. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is continually securing grants and training residents in DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale, and beyond.

(l to r) TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier, GPTC President Dr. Tavarez Holston, Johnson Controls Market General Manager
Anthony Outland, GPTC Building Automation Systems student
Justin Hawkins, Johnson Controls North American President Julie Brandt, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, and First Lady Marty Kemp

Gwinnett Tech Launches EV Charging Systems Technology Program

The world of electric vehicles is transforming Georgia’s roadways and classrooms. As this exciting industry grows, the role of reliable EV charging infrastructure in e-mobility success becomes increasingly crucial. Skilled EV charging systems technicians ensure that Georgia’s EVs stay charged and on the move, playing a vital part in the future of transportation.

While most workforce training focuses on electric vehicles or the installation of charging pedestals, training is scarce on the complex process of installing, connecting, commissioning, and maintaining EV charger equipment. In late 2022, Siemens presented a challenge to Gwinnett Tech’s continuing education department. Despite having an excellent training academy, Siemens faced difficulties training current employees in EV charger commissioning, which involves a series of tests to ensure a charging station is operating properly and is safe to use. Anticipating industry growth over the next decade, they needed an easily expandable program that could apply to other companies’ equipment.

Given the rapid development of EV technology and its intersection with IT and construction, Siemens had to upskill individuals with electrical backgrounds. Connecting EV equipment correctly requires knowledge of electrical principles. Ensuring the pedestal is wired properly is critical; otherwise, the equipment won’t function.

Additionally, OSHA certifications are necessary for job site access. While finding candidates with electrical knowledge and certifying them for the job site is straightforward, the real challenge lies in commissioning the charger – a skill set entirely different from installation.

“Bringing the EV technician program to Gwinnett Tech is essential for preparing a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and advancing Georgia’s EV charging infrastructure,” says Gwinnett Tech President Dr. Glen Cannon. “As the demand for electric vehicles grows, these technicians will play a critical role in ensuring reliable and efficient charging stations, contributing to the state’s sustainable transportation future.”

Siemens successfully trained current employees in installation and commissioning, but they needed assistance creating a curriculum for the future workforce. Gwinnett Tech’s continuing education department collaborated with the computer sciences division to develop a curriculum to upskill individuals entering the EV charger workforce. Students learn networking, troubleshooting, and operating system skills to connect and maintain equipment.

The EV technician training program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of troubleshooting and correcting EV charging infrastructure. Students learn

“Bringing the EV technician program to Gwinnett Tech is essential for preparing a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and advancing Georgia’s EV charging infrastructure.”
- Gwinnett Tech President Dr. Glen Cannon

to accurately report time estimates for issue identification and resolution and locate essential information for effective equipment troubleshooting. Hands-on experience in installation and commissioning reinforces the significance of the work an EV charging station technician does. By course completion, students grasp the key responsibilities and gain insight into networking fundamentals relevant to EV charger commissioning.

In-person classes and hands-on learning in a mobile lab equipped with Siemens-donated, USA-made equipment, provide students with technical expertise and practical experience. Instructors also emphasize the soft skills crucial for success in the EV industry – customer service, networking, and communication, making the learning experience comprehensive and confidence-building.

Gwinnett Technical College President Dr. Glen Cannon (l) and Darwin Newton, head of operations, electrical and emobility services at Siemens

Lanier Tech Motorsports Students Learn Skills, Collect Accolades

Students with the drive to become racing technicians should look no further than Lanier Technical College’s motorsports vehicle technology (MVT) program. This accredited program located on the Hall County Campus started in 1999 and continues racing forward.

Students begin by learning the basics of vehicle mechanics and tool safety. From there, they dive into everything related to chassis, engines, transmissions, composites, aerodynamics, physical science, and the study of electromagnetism. The program’s tagline, “We Build Racing Technicians,” rings true daily as students and graduates earn opportunities to work alongside professionals race teams.

In the last year, MVT program achievements include:

• Ten graduates competed at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. These ten students competed under eight race teams. Two teams won first place in their racing class.

• Two MVT graduates worked for Lexus, which won the 12 Hours of Sebring Race in Sebring, Fla.

• MVT students Hunter Redmon, Nathaniel Welch, and Cody Staton traveled to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to work a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Race event. Their professionalism was recognized by SCCA in its annual newsletter.

“When I was younger, NASCAR was my biggest thing, but I loved watching Sonoma and Watkins Glen,” Redmon says. “Once I got into the program, I experienced much more road racing, which changed my eye for racing in general.”

Two MVT graduates and two current students worked the 2024 Texas Motor Speedway Xfinity Series Race for Ryan Sieg Racing (RSS). RSS’s #39 Chevrolet earned second place in the closest-ever finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, with a 0.002-second margin.

Four graduates worked the 2024 Indianapolis 500.

• Andrew Pasqual worked for driver Christian Lundgaard of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan racing team

• Anthony Alday worked for driver Petro Fittipaldi of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan

• Ian Keith worked for driver Sting Ray Rob of the AJ Foyt racing team

• Tyler Scheele worked for driver Will Power of Team Penske

The Motorsports Vehicle Technology program continually turns out top-notch graduates prepared to work in numerous facets of the motorsports industry.

Lanier Technical College Motorsports Vehicle Technology graduate Tyler Scheele

North Georgia Tech Culinary Arts Students

and Faculty Recognized at Atlanta Chefs Association Presidential Gala

North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) culinary arts students and faculty are cooking up success. At the June American Culinary Federation (ACF) Atlanta Chefs Association (ACA) Presidential Gala, culinary arts student Diane Rucker received the 2024 Student Chef of the Year award, marking the third consecutive year an NGTC student has received this honor.

Culinary arts instructors chefs Christopher and Alexander Bladowski, who serve as first vice president and treasurer of the ACF-ACA respectively, earned 2024 Presidential Awards for their dedication to education in Georgia and outstanding service to the chapter.

Rucker began attending ACF meetings in Atlanta during her first semester at NGTC, enjoying the opportunity to get to know Atlanta area chefs. She also volunteered for several fundraising events that assisted people experiencing food insecurity and food and beverage workers who faced daunting medical bills. She prepared and distributed meals to police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.

In 2023, she won a gold medal in the Burger Bash, sponsored by Buckhead Beef. She and partner Chef Eric Fulkerson, formerly of the Stephens County Currahee Club, created a winning hamburger from scratch. Rucker graduated with a culinary arts diploma and associate degree in spring 2024.

At the Presidential Gala, NGTC culinary arts students

Ramon Fuentes, Victor Sharpe, Christina Smith, and Rucker assisted with preparing a four-course meal alongside Atlanta’s Ansley Golf Club Executive Chef Shannon Farmer and Christopher Bladowski.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements at the Atlanta Chefs Association’s Presidential Gala,” says Christy Bivins, NGTC dean of academic affairs. “Christopher and Alexander Bladowski’s receipt of the Presidential Award is a testament to their dedication and leadership.”

“Additionally, Diane Rucker’s recognition as Student of the Year highlights her hard work and exceptional commitment to her future career. Christopher and Alexander’s roles in the ACF demonstrate our students’ significant impact on the culinary community, and their volunteer efforts and passion for the profession exemplify the values NGTC strives to instill in our students,” says Bivins.

“This was an amazing night,” says Alexander Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts instructor. “Both Chris and I were completely blindsided by the great honor of receiving the Presidential Award. Diane Rucker worked several events with the chapter over the last few years, and I am over the moon that she was recognized for her academic achievements and community outreach. Our students and graduates are gaining an excellent reputation among the chefs and employers in North Georgia. We receive specific requests for our students from top restaurants in Atlanta.”

NGTC culinary arts instructor Chef Alexander Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts instructor Chef Christopher Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts student Diane Rucker, and ACF-ACA president Chef Danny Cerqueda (l to r)

Oconee Fall Line Tech Strengthens Commitment to Commercial Truck Driving Program

With a history rich in supporting the needs of local industry, Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) continues to meet workforce demands, specifically in producing quality commercial truck drivers to combat the state’s truck driver shortage.

In the last four years, enrollment in the college’s commercial truck driving (CTD) program has increased 40%, a direct result of the college’s commitment to meeting industry needs.

“At OFTC, we understand the critical role a strong commercial truck driving program plays in our communities and for our local industry,” says OFTC President Erica Harden. “A robust CTD program fuels our local economy by providing a pipeline of qualified drivers, strengthens our community by offering opportunities for a career in a robust industry, and empowers individuals to achieve their dreams.”

To meet the need for trained drivers and ensure the college’s 241 CTD students receive the education they require, OFTC built a new driving range on the Dublin Campus.

Thanks to Gov. Brian Kemp’s Georgia Emergency Education Relief fund, the college constructed the new range adjacent to the campus. It allows students to practice their skills before driving on the road. Before this construction, CTD students used a portion of a vacant parking lot to practice their skills.

“The addition of this range gives students more opportunities to hone their skills in a controlled environment similar to what they’ll see on the road,” says Brent Redfern, OFTC’s division chair for trades and industrial programs.

To train more students each semester, OFTC recently revamped the CTD schedule to offer more classes each semester. Class sizes have also been adjusted to allow for increased enrollment.

“It was important for us to find ways to work with the large pool of potential students expressing interest

in our CTD program,” says Michele Strickland, OFTC’s vice president of academic affairs. “As we acclimate instructors to schedule changes and hire more lab assistants, we’ll also increase CTD class sizes over the next three years. At the end of the three-year implementation, we expect a 30% increase in CTD enrollment.”

As more students enroll in CTD classes, additional resources have been acquired by the college to ensure quality training.

“We’re growing our fleet of tractors and trailers through the pursuit of USDA grants to ensure our students are trained on the same or similar models they’ll see in field,” Strickland says. “And the college recently purchased Samsara, a tool that tracks student hours behind the wheel simulating the experience our graduates will have when they are on the job.”

Samsara helps with compliance to the entry-level driver training requirements.

Students also use an online learning platform for additional training.

“While students wait for their turn driving the truck, they can easily access and review the maneuvers they need to practice, which has been a confidence booster for our students and aids in their ability to successfully master various tasks,” Redfern says.

As OFTC continues to strengthen its CTD program, its commitment to the student, community, and local industry remains the same – growing the workforce.

Over the last 12 years, OFTC has produced more than 1,984 CTD graduates with a 90% in-field placement rate.

“OFTC wants to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field, which is not just important to our region, it’s essential,” Harden says. “Georgia’s on the move, and commercial truck drivers are the engine that keeps us rolling.”

The Ogeechee Technical College Foundation Inc. recently received a generous endowment of $500,000 from the George W. Strickland Jr. Foundation. This substantial contribution, known as The Strickland Promise, will support the efforts of Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) in recruiting, retaining, and enrolling graduating high school seniors from Evans County.

“This endowment from The Strickland Foundation will make postsecondary pursuits possible for many students who might otherwise go straight to work,” says Holly Durrence, chief executive officer and career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE) director of the Evans Region College and Career Academy. “These students will become credentialed, allowing them opportunities to achieve their career goals and become an integral part of the workforce and community.”

Ogeechee Tech Foundation Receives $500,000 Endowment from George W. Strickland Jr. Foundation

ensures that financial constraints do not stand in the way of students’ aspirations.

The George W. Strickland Jr. Foundation, named after the founder of Evans Concrete, George W. Strickland (affectionately known as “Mr. Jack”), was established to continue Strickland’s legacy of altruism. Before his passing in 2010, Strickland’s company had grown to employ residents across approximately 16 counties in southeast Georgia.

Strickland was known for his philanthropic nature, often guided by a quote from Henry Drummond that he carried on a handwritten card in his wallet: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

“The Strickland Promise will help remove financial barriers to education and create a seamless pathway for our high school graduates in Evans County.”

“We are incredibly grateful to The Strickland Foundation for continuing to invest in our mission to educate and empower our local workforce,” Lori Durden, president of OTC, says. “The Strickland Promise will help remove financial barriers to education and create a seamless pathway for our high school graduates in Evans County.”

- Lori Durden, president of Ogeechee Technical College

Knowing that there is a route to postsecondary education free from financial barriers can be life-changing for students. For many, the cost of tuition and other expenses is a daunting obstacle, often leading them to enter the workforce immediately after high school rather than pursuing further education. The Strickland Promise transforms this narrative by providing scholarships that cover costs remaining after all federal, state, and other financial awards are applied. This

The establishment of The Strickland Promise underscores the ongoing commitment of the George W. Strickland Jr. Foundation to support education and the development of a skilled workforce in southeast Georgia.

The scholarship comes at a crucial time for southeast Georgia, which is experiencing an economic boom due to the influx of major manufacturers, including Hyundai. With new job opportunities emerging from these largescale industrial investments, there is a growing demand for a skilled workforce. The Strickland Promise will help train students to be ready for these job opportunities, aligning their educational pursuits with the needs of the local economy. By equipping students with the necessary skills and credentials, the scholarship not only enhances their career prospects, but also supports the region’s economic growth and sustainability.

Ogeechee Technical College President Lori Durden

Savannah Tech and Effingham County School District Collaborate to Meet Community Needs

This summer, the Effingham County School District (ECSD) and Savannah Technical College (STC) announced new facilities that will foster growth in performing arts, healthcare, and commercial truck driving. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Effingham County Performing Arts Center and the Jack Hill Conference Center as well as ribboncuttings for STC’s nursing/science lab expansion and commercial truck driving training expansion at its Effingham Campus.

This event marked a significant milestone in the partnership of Effingham County School District and Savannah Technical College. Together, these institutions are committed to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting the future workforce of Effingham County.

“Congratulations to our friends and partners at the Effingham County School District and Savannah Technical College on the kickoff of these remarkable new projects,” said Effingham County Industrial Development Authority CEO and vice chair of STC’s local board Brandt Herndon, at the event. “We are thrilled to see the addition of new educational programming, as well as meeting and conference capabilities in Effingham County. The conference and performing arts centers provide much-needed multipurpose space for our growing community.”

Effingham County Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Center will be approximately 100,000 square feet and feature an 1,800-seat auditorium, cuttingedge stage, sound and lighting systems, spacious dressing

rooms, classrooms, a black box theater, and conference room.

Jack Hill Conference Center

The Jack Hill Conference Center totals approximately 15,000 square feet, including a 5,000-square-foot multi-use banquet room, an executive conference room, and a catering kitchen. The conference center is named after former Georgia State Sen. Jack S. Hill, who served Georgia’s 4th District.

STC’s Nursing/Science Lab Expansion

STC’s Effingham Campus is now home to a new 3,500-squarefoot nursing suite and natural science lab. The nursing suite includes a classroom and lab for hands-on training with hospital beds, patient simulators, and occupational therapy training space. The 1,584-square-foot science lab will accommodate any of the natural science classes at Savannah Technical College including chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences.

STC’s Commercial Truck Driving Training Expansion

The commercial truck driving training program at the Effingham Campus has been expanded and upgraded. The driving pad now includes two additional testing pads at 31,200 square feet each. The program also moved from a mobile trailer classroom to a new 2,520-square-foot building with a 32-seat classroom, a simulation room with two truck simulators, offices, restrooms, a small vending area, and a break/lounge area.

Savannah Technical College President Dr. Ryan Foley cuts the ribbon on the expanded and upgraded CDL driving pad in Effingham County

South Georgia Tech awarded Georgia Board of HealthCare Workforce Nursing School Grant

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) has been selected to receive the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce (GBHCW) Nursing School Grant, which is designed to support nursing schools that have waitlists by providing more opportunities to enhance enrollment capacity and graduate more nurses to serve our communities.

“The funding from the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce comes at an opportune time for South Georgia Technical College,” says SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “While we continue to train our existing practical nursing students, the college is embarking on the application process for an LPN to RN bridge program that will not only provide tremendous new opportunities for LPN’s in the field, but also help Georgia bridge the gap presented by the severe nursing shortage.

“Even though we want to get students as quickly as possible from the classroom into the workforce, we dare not cut any corners in providing a rigorous curriculum that will produce a well-trained and knowledgeable graduate,” Watford says. “The funding through the GBHCW grant will provide much-needed state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the robust program for our existing practical nursing students and for our future bridging students.”

The GBHCW grant at South Georgia Technical College

will be used to purchase equipment and materials to increase retention, graduation, and pass rates for SGTC’s practical nursing program.

The college will purchase two Anatomage convertible 3D interactive anatomy learning tables. Students can visualize anatomy exactly as they would on a physical cadaver to provide for an unprecedented level of real anatomy accuracy. This virtual learning approach has been adopted by many of the world’s leading medical schools. SGTC will use this equipment on both the Americus and the Crisp County campuses.

SGTC will also purchase reusable study materials, supplies, and books for the LPN program and other materials for in-class instruction and the NCLEX test preparation. These materials should assist the college in increasing the pass, retention, and graduation rates for students in the threesemester practical nursing program on both campuses. SGTC serves a rural, low-income student population that struggles to afford additional study enhancement materials.

This grant will allow South Georgia Technical College to bridge the nursing gap by increasing its number of practical nurses in its rural service area and the nursing field. A total of $3 million in grants was awarded by the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce.

South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (r) with nursing students

Southeastern Tech Instructors Chosen for AI-ALOE Teaching Fellows Program

The National AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education (AI-ALOE) announced that Jessica Eisner and Liz Noles of Southeastern Technical College (STC) have been chosen for the inaugural AI-ALOE Teaching Fellows Program. Both instructors teach in the business technology program at Southeastern Tech.

“I am extremely proud that Liz Noles and Dr. Jessica Eisner were chosen to join the esteemed AI-ALOE Teaching Fellows Program,” says Gina Robison, STC’s dean of business technologies and human sciences. “Both instructors understand the importance of staying current with AI advancements as they equip business technology program students for the workforce. AI in education provides benefits like personalized learning, streamlined grading and feedback, and enhanced administrative tasks, leading to increased student engagement and academic success. I am excited to learn from these instructors and share this knowledge with other STC educators.”

The AI-ALOE Teaching Fellows Program is committed to empowering educators by integrating artificial intelligence technologies in teaching and learning environments. The involvement of Eisner and Noles will not only contribute to the advancement of AI in education but will also significantly enhance their professional development.

AI-ALOE extended invitations for Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) instructors to apply for a fellowship. AI-ALOE, housed at the Georgia Institute of Technology, is a research institute funded by the National Science Foundation.

“Being a teaching fellow in the AI-ALOE program is not just about embracing innovation,” says Noles. “It empowers educators and students to thrive in the digital age. By integrating AI into my classes, I aim to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that fosters critical thinking and prepares students for the evolving demands of the workforce. I anticipate the enrichment of student

experiences and a direct impact on our local workforce by equipping learners with the skills needed to excel in tomorrow’s digital landscape.”

AI-ALOE institute’s mission is to aid the digital transformation of the workforce. The Teaching Fellows Program is an opportunity designed for educators passionate about harnessing AI technologies to elevate teaching and learning experiences. These tools and analytics will aid students in higher education, continuing education, and workforce training.

“I wanted to be involved because I see this fellowship as a unique chance to not only innovate in the field of education but also to make a tangible impact on how adult learners access and engage with educational content,” Eisner says. “The program’s focus on personalization and adaptability through AI aligns with my strong belief in catering to individual learning styles and needs.”

Research in AI is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in online adult learning. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we can revolutionize education with innovative techniques and theories tailored specifically to the needs of adult learners.

“AI isn’t just the future of online adult learning, it’s a transformative journey toward unlocking human potential like never before,” Eisner says. “I am so excited that we get to represent STC and TCSG in this capacity. AI technology will empower adults to learn effectively and stay competitive in their careers. With AI-driven tools, our learners can navigate the complexities of the modern workforce, acquire new skills, and adapt to emerging trends with confidence and agility.”

Teaching Fellows must actively engage in program activities and provide feedback to AI-ALOE researchers. The fellowship requires a one-year commitment, with an estimated involvement of 10-20 hours per semester. Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend for their participation.

Southeastern Tech instructors Dr. Jessica Eisner (l) and Liz Noles

Southern Crescent Tech Expands Nursing Program to Meet Industry Needs

Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) recently launched its practical nursing/ paramedic to registered nursing bridge program to address critical healthcare workforce shortages. This unique initiative expands educational opportunities for licensed practical nurses as well as licensed paramedics across the state.

The PN/paramedic to RN bridge program is designed for professionals with at least one year of field experience who want to advance their education. The three-semester program offers a streamlined path for healthcare practitioners to complete their RN education in just one year.

The college accepted 50 medical professionals in the first split cohort. SCTC’s unique program offers classes tailored to the schedules of working professionals with students attending classes only one day a week – on Fridays for students on the Griffin campus and Saturdays for students at the Fayette Center. This scheduling enables participating students to continue working as PNs or paramedics while advancing their education and clinical skills.

Local healthcare partners have been pivotal to this success, offering essential practical experience and supporting the integration of graduates into the nursing workforce.

“The Southern Crescent Technical College PN/ paramedic bridge program is a timely and appreciated

resource for our hospital and community,” says Lisa Johnson, vice president and chief nursing officer at Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital. “With the current nursing shortages, this program will allow us to continue to partner with SCTC and their graduates to maintain a sustainable nursing workforce. Additionally, this bridge program strategically aligns with our Wellstar commitment to provide an achievable career progression model to support those who are so vitally important in enhancing the health and well-being of every individual we serve.”

Nursing has been recognized as a high demand career program for the state of Georgia, resulting in additional financial aid and career opportunities for students. With projected shortages, the development and implementation of additional training programs is critical. The success of this inaugural class has generated considerable interest, and another competitive pool of applicants is anticipated for upcoming cohorts. By transitioning practical nurses and paramedics into registered nurses, this initiative not only enhances the competencies of these healthcare professionals but also bolsters the healthcare system’s capacity to deliver quality care, alleviating workforce shortages and promoting the sustainability of healthcare services in our region.

Southern Regional Tech Breaks Ground on Technical and Industrial Building

Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Technical and Industrial Building on its Moultrie campus.

The Technical and Industrial Building will house crucial programs aimed at equipping students with the skills and expertise needed to excel in today’s competitive workforce. These programs include air conditioning technology, automotive technology, auto collision and repair, carpentry, electrical systems technology, industrial systems, welding and joining technology, and diesel equipment technology.

“We were thrilled to celebrate the commencement of construction for our new Technical and Industrial Building,” says Jim Glass, president of Southern Regional Technical College. “This facility will not only provide stateof-the-art training opportunities for our students, but it will also strengthen our commitment to meeting the workforce needs of our community and region.”

The groundbreaking ceremony featured speakers and dignitaries, including Glass; Moultrie Mayor Bill McIntosh; Dawn Johns, chair of the SRTC board of directors; state Sen. Sam Watson; state Rep. Chas Cannon; and Greg Dozier, TCSG commissioner.

This facility will not only provide state-of-the-art training opportunities for our students, but it will also strengthen our commitment to meeting the workforce needs of our community and region.”

Jim Glass, president of Southern Regional Technical College

The Technical and Industrial Building at SRTC-Moultrie will be an integral component of the campus and meet a critical need for current and future students enrolled in the School of Industrial Technology on the Moultrie campus. SRTC will be able to provide training using expanded technology including computeraided welding equipment and technology required in the auto painting industry.

This new state-of-the-art facility will enable students to translate their skills from the classroom to the workforce and provide greater opportunities to strengthen our partnerships with area high schools, further providing a greater service to our students and the region.

West Georgia Tech Bringing Industrial Education to Haralson County with New Murphy Industrial Building

West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of the new Murphy Industrial Building at West Georgia Technical College’s Murphy campus in Haralson County. The event was attended by college officials, elected officials, community leaders, and stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the beginning of this major project.

The Murphy campus was built in 2002, to bring postsecondary education to Haralson County. Since the facility opened, it has housed medical and business programs, general core courses, and thriving cosmetology and esthetician programs. The new industrial building will introduce trade and technology programs to the campus, which currently lacks an industrial and manufacturing curriculum.

“Manufacturing is one of the largest industries in Haralson County, yet there has been no industrial curriculum available here until now,” says WGTC President Dr. Julie Post. “It is our responsibility to support local industries by providing a skilled workforce. The nearly 700 students we train each year in manufacturing-related areas is not enough. We look forward to adding more right here in Haralson County.”

The building will accommodate commercial truck driving, electrical lineworker, and welding programs. WGTC currently trains more than 200 commercial truck driving

students and over 200 welding students per year at other campuses. With the addition of this building, 225 more students will be served annually, preparing them for highdemand careers that are essential in this community.

State Sen. Tim Bearden gave remarks at the ceremony and stressed the importance of technical education for the success of our state.

“In the 20 years that I’ve been in state government, I’ve seen how important our technical colleges are across this state,” Bearden says. “If a big industry was coming into a county, it was our technical colleges leading the charge making sure the training was there for that new industry. We need to do a better job to highlight technical education for our kids to know that you do not have to have a four-year degree to be successful.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from WGTC Board of Directors Representative and Past Chair Bill Hightower; WGTC Foundation Trustee Chair Mark Foster; State Rep. Tyler Paul Smith; Greater Haralson Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eric McDonald; WGTC welding student Ray Morehead; and WGTC CDL student Chet Long.

The $8.7 million facility is expected to be completed next year, with classes scheduled to begin in the facility in the fall semester of 2025.

Wiregrass Georgia Tech is the Right Path for a Cool Career

The comfort of air conditioning during the scorching summers of South Georgia is a luxury many cherish, yet the skilled professionals who ensure its uninterrupted operation are often overlooked. This highlights the essential need for trained HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians.

Studies show that the HVAC career field is slowly fading away. Those who are in the field are retiring and not many are considering or aware of this as a career option. This problem is one of the reasons why Wiregrass Tech’s air conditioning technology program is on the HOPE Career Grant list of highdemand careers. Students enrolled in these fields can have their tuition and fees covered by the state.

Wiregrass Tech graduate Jason Godwin and his twin brother Jamie are co-owners of Twin Air Heating and Cooling in Adel, Ga. The two have emerged as passionate advocates for the HVAC trade. Transitioning from unrelated careers, the brothers found their calling in HVAC, drawing inspiration from family members who prospered in the industry.

Jason enrolled in Wiregrass and graduated in 2017, with

a diploma in air conditioning technology. “I was taught the history behind air conditioning, the principals and science of the mechanics of the systems that was not able to be learned from anyone I knew in the field,” he says of his time at Wiregrass Tech. “I learned new processes of testing components with and without voltage.”

In February 2019, he and his brother opened Twin Air. This spring, the brothers assisted at the Wiregrass Tech table during a career fair at Cook Middle School. They brought displays and engaged with students, sharing their passion for the trade and working to inspire interest in the field.

“I firmly believe that formal education is beneficial for anyone entering this trade, as hands-on learning is crucial in this field,” Jason says. “Technical colleges teach the fundamentals that are valuable for employment in the industry. There is significant potential for growth and advancement, whether working with a local company, starting your own business, or joining manufacturers and distributors in Georgia and across the country.”

Wiregrass air conditioning technology graduate Jason Godwin and his twin brother Jamie are owners of Twin Air Heating and Cooling of Adel

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