40 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 7 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 41 Serving as Georgia’s top resource in preparing a skilled workforce, institutions within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) provide training in more than 600 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs. TCSG institutions work with local industries to provide a viable workforce and training solutions. Whether it is through the nationally recognized Quick Start program or individualized programs, TCSG institutions help Georgia remain a competitive leader in a global market.  In an effort to recruit more workers to high-demand jobs, the state provides the HOPE Career Grant, which was formerly the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant. The HOPE Career Grant is available to qualified students who enroll in selected majors that are aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available than there are skilled workers to fill them. The high-demand industries include certified engineer assistant, commercial truck driving, computer programming, computer technology, diesel equipment technology, early childhood care and education, health science, industrial maintenance, movie production and set design, practical nursing, precision manufacturing, and welding and joining technology. TCSG institutions offer more than 200 programs associated with the high- demand careers.  “A Georgia student who qualifies for one of these grants pays absolutely no tuition, and in some cases, the grants cover fees and equipment as well,” said TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin. “This is a great opportunity for students in our 22 colleges and the Georgia companies who seek them. We believe the new name will help students understand that a rewarding career is the end goal of the grant.”   Brian Evans, welder at Steeda plant in Valdosta Gretchen Corbin TCSG Commissioner TCSG Graduates Fill High-Demand Jobs and Support State’s Economic Growth PHOTO: VALDOSTA-LOWNDES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 40 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 7 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 41 WORKFORCE Michael Williams, assistant dean of Academic Affairs at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, said there is a growing need for more diesel mechanics. “Diesel is a growing field all over our service region,” Williams said. “Transportation is booming in Georgia, and service managers have hit a wall with employment. Many mechanics are nearing retirement age. More than almost any other field, I feel this area has the potential for explosive growth over the next decade.” Currently, Wiregrass Tech only teaches the diesel mechanic program at its Coffee County campus but plans to expand the program to other Wiregrass Tech campuses. This year, Wiregrass Tech partnered with TransPower to teach the Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician Certificate program at the company’s Douglas location. “We started this in January, and the first cohort of students will graduate this fall,” Williams said, “and at least two of them have already signed up with registered apprenticeships in Coffee County.” Williams explained that offering a course at an industry facility allows Wiregrass Tech to start a program without the expense of constructing a building on campus and purchasing a lot of equipment. Regarding the TransPower partnership, Williams said, “It saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars and allowed us to start the program much earlier than we would have been able to otherwise.” Exposing students to new career options is an important part in filling high-demand jobs. “Students know about welding, but they might not know what jobs are available as a machinist,” Williams said. “Machine tool is another Michael Williams Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs Wiregrass Tech PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO: VALDOSTA-LOWNDES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY