SCTC Partners with Local Development Authorities to offer Class for Recent High School Graduates
In partnership with three local Development Authorities, Southern Crescent Technical College is making plans to offer a 40-hour Manufacturing Basics class for current high school seniors who have no plans to attend college and will immediately enter the workforce after graduation. This three-county regional approach will be available for the first time to May 2020 graduates from Lamar County High School, Pike County High School, and Upson-Lee High School and will be totally funded through a partnership with Three Rivers Regional Commission.
The two-week Manufacturing Basics course is designed for the student to learn essential skills and knowledge that will prepare them to enter the manufacturing workforce. “The skills obtained in this course will provide completers with important experience and hands-on learning that will help them secure and retain employment in a manufacturing field,” according to Mark Andrews, Executive Vice President at Southern Crescent Technical College.
Topics covered include: Working Together and Teamwork, Communication Strategies, Conflict Management, Business Ethics, OSHA 10 Safety Course, Basic Industrial Systems, Forklift Operation and Safety. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be issued a certificate of completion as well as a Forklift Certification and an OSHA 10 card.
“It is very difficult for a high school graduate to move straight into the workforce without adequate training. This program offers students the opportunity to get specialized, certified training at no cost while building a resume that will help jumpstart a well- paying career path,” said Kathy Oxford, Executive Director of the Barnesville-Lamar Industrial Development Authority.
Kyle Fletcher, Executive Director of the Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority said, “Many new graduates don’t have a solid career path and we realized that addressing that issue is imperative to the success of this region and its citizens. The Guidance Counselors and CTAE Directors in Pike, Upson and Lamar County schools will help identify students for the program and the partnership with Three Rivers Regional Commission and Southern Crescent Technical College created the perfect set up for our three counties to kick off this program.”
In preparation for the program, each school system is discussing options with students now so they will have the opportunity to visit local manufacturers before the course begins. Those who complete the two week program will receive a certification and participate in interviews with local industries, some of which may have jobs waiting and others will serve as learning tools.
“The demand for labor in our local industries is high, but many companies still desire at least some form of basic training/certification when considering candidates for a job. This program will set our students apart from other entry-level applicants and provide them with a competitive edge, as well as hopefully encourage them to continue their education in a field more specific to their potential career,” said Ginny Blakeney, Economic Development Director for Pike County.
Manufacturing basics will be offered on the Southern Crescent Technical College Flint River Campus and is limited to 30 students. Classes dates and times locations will be determined. For more information, please contact Mark Andrews mark.andrews [at] sctech.edu or Steve Hendrix steve.hendrix [at] sctech.edu at Southern Crescent Technical College.