2023 High Demand Career Initiatives Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

HIGH DEMAND CAREER INITIATIVES (HDCI) PROGRAM

Gregory C. Dozier Commissioner Technical College System of Georgia

MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Thanks to the support of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) was able to invest more than $1 million towards expanding apprenticeships in Georgia, which created more than 125 new registered apprentices in our state’s workforce.

The HDCI Program has been integral to helping Georgia businesses both learn more about Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), and access funding awards to offset the cost of investing in their workforce through these quality programs. Registered Apprentices not only become highly skilled workers, but also industry leading talent that help Georgia outrank the rest of the nation as the number one state in which to do business.

In accordance with section 20-4-153 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, I am pleased to share this report on HDCI program activities during Fiscal Year 2023, and the impact it has had on Georgia businesses and industries. On behalf of TCSG, we appreciate the opportunity to establish and deliver the HDCI Program to the state of Georgia and look forward to administering this program again next year.

It has been a truly remarkable year for apprenticeships in Georgia, and nothing exemplifies this more than the creation of the High Demand Career Initiatives (HDCI) program.

HDCI MISSION

In 2022, the High Demand Career Initiatives (HDCI) Program, authorized by Georgia Senate Bill 379, was signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp. As Georgia’s first-ever state-funded apprenticeship initiative, the HDCI Program represents a historic investment by the State of Georgia in registered apprenticeships.

The HDCI Program aims to increase skilled talent within Georgia’s high-demand industries. To achieve this, the program provides direct funding to Georgia employers to incentivize the creation and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state.

Georgia employers selected to participate in the HDCI Program receive up to $10,000 in funding awards for each apprentice they hire and train, providing support to help Georgia’s businesses invest in their future workforce and surrounding communities.

For more information about Georgia’s HDCI Program visit www.tcsg.edu/HDCI

WHAT IS A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM?

A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a robust and comprehensive training model that helps employers transform and develop entry-level employees into high-skilled talent. RAPs serve as a strategy for building talent pipelines and retaining skilled employees. It is a unique, flexible system that combines job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences.

Registered Apprenticeship Programs are both industry-recognized and officially certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.

BENEFITS FOR BUSINESSES

• Highly-skilled employees

• Stronger employee retention

• Higher productivity

• More diverse workforce

COMPONENTS OF A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP

Apprentices are paid employees on day one of the apprenticeship who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employers’ needs.

BENEFITS FOR WORKERS

• Increase skills

• Higher wages

• Nationally-Recognized credential

• Career Advancement & Upward Mobility

Apprentices become skilled workers through structured learning in a work setting at their employer.

CLASSROOM LEARNING

Apprentices are also learning job-related skills through education in a classroom setting (virtual or in-person).

MENTORSHIP

Each apprentice has the direct support of a skilled worker to assist and enhance critical hands-on learning at the worksite.

CREDENTIALS

Apprentices work toward obtaining a portable, nationally-recognized credential to be issued at the completion of the program.

PAID JOB

STATEWIDE IMPACT

SERVICE AREA

Note: TCSG Service Area map reflects the Georgia locations of all HDCI-awarded companies. Companies may not formally be associated with the respective technical college for the purposes of the apprenticeship.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Georgia is a national leader in advanced manufacturing, outpacing the country’s 10-year GDP growth rate. Georgia’s manufacturers span a variety of sectors from automobiles to flooring. Collectively, the industry produces $59.5 billion output and employs a workforce of nearly 300,000 Georgians and counting.

Of the many sectors of advanced manufacturing, Calhoun-based Mohawk Industries leads the flooring industry, providing end-to-end integration of products. The three-year apprenticeships at Mohawk Industries combine on-thejob training with classroom instruction, earning an Associate’s Degree in one of the following fields:

• Industrial Systems

• Automation Engineering Technology

• Electrical Systems Technology

• Mechanical Engineering Technology

Training is divided into multiple sections, to ensure the apprentice fully understands each area of their role. Rather than time-based training modules, competency checklists, along with individualized goals, are used to gauge proficiency and mastery during the apprentice’s evaluation every 90 days. At the end of each rotation, apprentices complete a capstone project to showcase the skills acquired during the time in each area.

Mohawk Industries

Located in Calhoun, Georgia

AEROSPACE

Georgia’s aerospace industry is engaged in the research, development, and manufacturing of flight vehicles and major flight-vehicle subsystems such as propulsion and avionics. Along with the manufacturing and assembly of products that deal with vehicular flight within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere, Georgiamade aerospace products are the state’s No. 1 export ($9.19 billion in 2021) and second largest manufacturing industry sector, generating a $57.5B economic impact. Industry-leading employers, the busiest airport in the world, and a highlyskilled workforce are just a few reasons why Georgia is home to more than 800 aerospace-related companies.

Oasis Aviation, based in Newnan, recently began an apprenticeship program in conjunction with the HDCI program and the Technical College System of Georgia. All participants complete the Avionics Technician track before they are eligible for the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) track. During the course of training, apprentices gain an understanding of:

• Wiring diagrams & installation

• Aircraft electronics installation

• Avionics configuration & troubleshooting

The A&P roles include aircraft inspections, engine and airframe maintenance, and repairs including sheet metal fabrication.

Seven individuals have completed the program and found placement in excellent jobs supporting the aerospace industry in the region.

Located in Newnan, Georgia

Oasis Aviation Maintenance Inc. Vetern Owned, Small Business

Pictured: James Hertig

US Navy veteran James Hertig was the first apprentice to complete the program at Oasis Aviation. Now, he serves as the lead instructor for Avionics, equipping the next wave of technicians in an industry relying increasingly on electronics.

AGRIBUSINESS

With more than $74 billion in economic impact every year, agribusiness is Georgia’s leading industry and is known for producing quality food products as well as introducing new and innovative agriculture technologies.

Founded in 2014 and based in Douglas, Premium Peanut is a grower-owned shelling company consisting of more than 470 grower-owners and has an annual shelling capacity of over 300,000 tons. Premium Peanut is a fir protecting valuable natural resources for future generations. By building a strong agricultural community that focuses on improving efficiency and productivity while maintaining economic viability, Premium Peanut has stepped up as an industry leader in the movement to increase agricultural sustainability, supporting agriculture and the farmers who make up the industry as well as streamlining and innovating the supply chain.

As the world’s largest peanut shelling facility, Premium Peanut provides employment to nearly 250 individuals from the local communities and infuses millions of dollars into the regional economy through wages and business dealings throughout Georgia. Through the HDCI program, Premium Peanut was able to support their first apprentices in their newly establish Apprenticeship Program. This program will help ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent for years to come.

FUN FACT: GEORGIA PRODUCES ABOUT HALF OF THE PEANUTS THAT ARE GROWN ANNUALLY IN THE UNITED STATES.

Located in Douglas, Georgia

AGRIBUSINESS AWARDS

$30k 01 04

AWARDED APPRENTICES

COMPANIES

AGRIBUSINESS APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT

Colby Yawn, originally hailing from McRae, GA, is currently enrolled at Wiregrass Technical College pursuing an Associates Degree in Industrial Systems Technology and works full time in Premium Peanut’s Maintenance Department. Under the supervision of the Maintenance Manager, Colby works as a member of the maintenance crew performing industrial electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system repairs along with metal fabrication tasks. As he learns each skill, he’s able to apply them immediately within Premium Peanut’s facility. Colby’s path has inspired six other Premium Peanut employees to enroll in the apprenticeship program.

Above: Colby Yawn works in the Premium Peanut’s Maintenance Department

CONSTRUCTION

Gold Mech, Inc. Small Business

Construction comprises the development and construction of buildings or engineering projects. Georgia’s recent unprecedented economic growth has led to a surge in demand for the skilled trade workers needed to build the state’s emerging landscape.

Though a part of the construction industry, the role of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) as well as plumbing bears an increased urgency that other aspects of construction do not often encounter. Gold Mech Inc., an Augusta-based company, provides HVAC, plumbing, sheet metal, and process piping services across commercial, residential and industrial spaces. Through a combination of classroom learning and on-the job-training, apprentices at Gold Mech INC are a valuable asset to field operations teams.

As the only local contractor that supports a true, curriculum-based, registered apprenticeship program, Gold Mech takes a hands-on approach to closing the gap between supply and demand of trained tradesworkers in Georgia.

In the classroom, apprentices learn the fundamentals and theory of the plumbing trade. On the job and during the hands-on training sessions, apprentices learn to install a vast array of piping systems, understand and interpret drawings, size piping systems, and troubleshoot typical plumbing issues. Overall, the goal of the apprenticeship is to graduate apprentices with both the knowledge and skills to accurately install correct piping systems efficiently, as well as honing critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Located in Augusta, Georgia

CONSTRUCTION AWARDS

$493k 15 50

AWARDED COMPANIES APPRENTICES

CONSTRUCTION SKILLS

MATERIAL HANDLING

INSTALLATION

TESTING, INSPECTION & QUALITY ASSURANCE

TROUBLESHOOTING

HEALTHCARE

Colquitt Regional Medical Center

Georgia’s robust and diverse health care landscape, prominent research institutions and technological resources, and extensive infrastructure has led to a rapidlyexpanding healthcare workforce. And recent years have proven that there can never be enough individuals willing to serve their communities in the me

Based in Moultrie, Colquitt Regional Medical Center has been operating in Southwest Georgia for close to a century. A 99-bed community-based teaching hospital, Colquitt Regional is home to over 1,350 employees and offers access to advanced medical services through more than 100 providers with expertise in 30+ specialties.

Providing exceptional and compassionate care to all patients who walk through the door, the heart of Colquitt Regional is their dedicated healthcare workforce, including their licensed practical nurses (LPN) and registered nurses (RN

Responsible for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation, LPNs and RNs are crucial to both the patient care process and the hospital’s educational and research efforts.

Through partnership with Southern Regional Technical College, Colquitt Regional was able to establish Registered Apprenticeship Programs to build local nursing talent. In their program, apprentices receive hands-on learning and classroom instruction from experienced professionals in the medical field, gaining the knowledge to succeed in the nursing profession. As one of the fi of its kind in the state, the HDCI program is not only helping this Colquitt Regional expand their apprenticeship, but also increasing Georgians’ access to healthcare professionals.

Located in Moultrie, Georgia

COMPANIES

HEALTHCARE SKILLS

PROBLEM ANTICIPATION & SOLVING

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

WOUND CARE, IV INSERTION, NGT & MORE

RECORDING & REPORTING

PATIENT CARE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM COLLABORATION

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Elevance Health

Located in Atlanta, Georgia

Information Technology (IT) deals with computing, including hardware, software, telecommunications and other systems that are involved in the transmittal of information and facilitation of communication. As technology advances and becomes embedded in everyday life, Georgia’s strategic location and resources position the IT industry to expand, demanding a larger skilled workforce.

Designed to be economically favorable for both employer and employee, Elevance Health, formerly Anthem, sought to engage the Atlanta community by developing an intentional career pathway to make entering the IT marketplace more accessible for local residents. Elevance Health’s IT Apprenticeship Program participants go through a five-year pipeline. Multiple pillars make up the program’s approach to training highly-skilled workers and contributors to both the IT field and community as a whole:

• On-the-job training, developing skills and working in various departments for 6-9 months

• Associates Degree in an IT track at Atlanta Technical College

• Certifications in IT functional areas

• Professional development such as networking, communication skills, resume writing

• Most importantly, Elevance Health sees apprentices as whole individuals, offering liveable wages and opportunities for advancement

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

$25k 01 05

AWARDED APPRENTICES

COMPANIES

ELEVANCE HEALTH APPRENTICESHIP STATS

75% OF APPRENTICES IN IT APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM HAVE EXPERIENCE IN FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

WITH A RETENTION RATE OF 85%, ELEVANCE IS POISED TO GRADUATE ITS FIRST COHORT IN 2024.

THE HDCI PROGRAM

The High Demand Career Initiatives (HDCI) program was established to achieve two objectives for the state: First, increase Georgia employers’ access to Registered Apprenticeship Programs; and secondly, increase local skilled talent in Georgia’s high demand, growing industries. Launched in FY2023, the HDCI Program has become transformative for Georgia businesses and communities and is already creating economic prosperity for Georgians across the state.

The HDCI Program provides direct funding to Georgia businesses in the form of funding awards to selected companies. These awards help to offset the costs of creating and expanding, and provide companies with the support to invest in their future workforce.

Apprentices created by the HDCI program are local Georgia workers who develop their skill sets with hands-on learning, building confidence, and increasing opportunities for advancement. An apprenticeship can create clarity, enabling workers to see a pathway to a family-sustaining and fulfilling career.

Businesses participating in apprenticeships supported by the HDCI program can attract motivated individuals committed to growing with their company’s success. Apprenticeships help businesses develop future leaders with the right skills and knowledge, while simultaneously reducing the cost of recruitment and training. The transfer of knowledge and company culture can create loyalty and increase retention. Businesses participating in apprenticeship programs build trust and favor investing in their local community.

THE HDCI PROGRAM

A skilled workforce earns higher wages reducing unemployment and increasing quality of life. Businesses can increase productivity by utilizing talent with the knowledge, expertise, and specialized skills required to perform tasks efficiently.

Businesses can utilize the time and cost savings to invest in innovation and technological advancement. Increased production, innovation, and technological advancement increase competitiveness and attract investments and industries.

Apprenticeships open doors both for our students to gain quality, on-the-job experience and for employers to fill their workforce needs. This innovative approach will ensure the next generation has the skills they need to succeed in the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

Brian P. Kemp Governor, Georgia

THE HDCI PROGRAM GROWS INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND GEORGIA. THE INVESTMENT IN THE HDCI PROGRAM IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF GEORGIA.

AWARDS & MEASURES

COMPANY

1888 Mills

Ace Electric

All-State Electrical Contractors, LLC

American Woodmark

Arbor Terrace East Cobb

Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill

Armstrong World Industries

Art Plumbing Company

ASI Southeast/GEM Southeast

B & W Mechanical Contractors

Batchelor & Kimball

Bellwether Inc

Sheridan Construction

Colquitt Regional Medical Center

Elevance Health

Emerald Transportation Solutions

Galgon HVAC & Mechanical Service

Gold Mech INC

Haering Precision USA LP

Harris Waste Management Group

Jered LLC

JS Thomas Services

Mann

Maxair Mechanical

Milliken

Mock

Mohawk

Oasis

Peterbilt

Robert

South

Southern

Southern

Tenant

Thomasville Toyota

NON TECHNICAL COLLEGE SPONSOR

TECHNICAL COLLEGE SPONSOR

Total Contracts Completed in FY 23: 0.

First available completion date for contracts is July 2023. *RAPS last at least 1 year and typically are 1-3 years.