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August 2022

Revving Up: Georgia’s auto industry is getting set for the future with a skilled pipeline of employees

When Kia announced 16 years ago it was bringing auto manufacturing back to Georgia, it jumpstarted growth in the industry that continues today. But back then, the idea of electric vehicles and autonomous cars whizzing down the road sounded like visions from the future. Learn how TCSG’s 22 technical colleges are partnering with companies and auto dealerships to create a pipeline of workers, not just for today, but for tomorrow too.

Gov. Kemp Announces Program to Support Students Impacted by the Pandemic in Pursuit of Careers, Fulfill Critical Workforce Need

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced a new program aimed at ensuring students negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have the opportunity to pursue successful careers while receiving a high-quality education. Through the Governors Emergency Education Relief Program, more than $800,000 will be awarded for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Pilot Program.

“Here in Georgia, we are committed to meeting the needs of our young people as they prepare to enter our world-class workforce following years of pandemic disruptions, and we are excited to see how this program will make a difference in their lives as it also helps us fulfill a critical workforce need,” said Governor Brian Kemp.

Technically Proficient: GaBiz talks with Commissioner Dozier about training a skilled workforce

TCSG is working to empower a skilled workforce to help drive the state’s accelerated growth. With 22 colleges and 88 campuses offering more than 600 programs, from welding and aviation maintenance to nursing and accounting, TCSG works closely with employers across the state to tailor their offerings to meet real-time needs. Commissioner Dozier discusses some of TCSG’s wins and the strategy for a bright future.

Georgia Excels at SkillsUSA Nationals

During the first in-person national conference since 2019, Georgia continued to excel at the national level. Combined with our Secondary division, Georgia earned a grand total of 58 medals! Georgia Postsecondary specifically won 50 medals—23 gold, 14 silver, and 13 bronze. TCSG’s top three national medal recipient chapters are:

• Savannah Technical College with 11 medals

• Gwinnett Technical College with 8 medals

• Lanier Technical College with 7 medals

The Dr. John Scott Award for highest scoring individual competitor in Georgia Postsecondary went to Brandon Howell from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in the Electrical Construction Wiring contest. The Curtiss Bell Award for highest scoring team competitors in Georgia Postsecondary awarded to the Community Service team (Donna Lowe, Hunter Matthews, & Crystal Sapp) from Savannah Technical College.

Additionally, the SkillsUSA National Model of Excellence program recognizes the exceptional integration and application of personal, workplace, and technical skills for SkillsUSA chapter activities. It is one of the highest awards bestowed on chapters by the SkillsUSA national office. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College was named one of the 24 Model of Excellence chapters nationwide.

AT&T Foundation Donates $25,000 to TCSG to Support Student Learning Through eCampus

The AT&T Foundation announced a $25,000 donation to the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation to support student learning through the system’s eCampus online platform. Since the launch of eCampus in 2020, enrollment in online course offerings has grown across TCSG and that means exploring ways to provide more academic support for students. The funding provided by the AT&T Foundation will be used to hire subject matter experts in upper level mathematics and economics to provide virtual tutoring for students interested in these support services.

Oconee Fall Line Tech Student Preparing for Cyber Career

A fascination with computers drove Parker Fountain to consider a career in the cyber field. And after researching job opportunities in cybersecurity, the expected growth was enticing.

“Cybersecurity not only suits my characteristics but has job security tied to it,” Fountain shared. “Whether it be on a small or large-scale – doing office maintenance or monitoring network traffic – it has job security.”

After learning about Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) through a college fair at his high school, he looked into their cyber programs.

Robins Financial Credit Union Contributes $410,000 in Community Project

Robins Financial Credit Union recently contributed $410,000 to 21 organizations as part of their annual Community Project. Southeastern Technical College is the 2022 Community Project recipient in Emanuel County. The Community Project provides financial support to nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to help families and improve the physical and financial well-being of the community.

Columbus Tech holds grand opening for child development center

Columbus Technical College (CTC), in partnership with Enrichment Services, held the grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new child development center. This center is all a part of an expansion of Enrichment Services in the Chattahoochee Valley. The new center provides an opportunity to deliver services easier to families, specifically to Columbus Tech students. Along with Early Childhood Education Services, the center will provide instructional and hands-on opportunities for students.

New TCSG Publication