South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Academic Dean Brett Murray along with SGTC Crisp County Welding Instructor Tom Mayo and Automation Technology Instructor David Price met with members of the Georgia Pacific (GP) Lumber Plant management team in Albany recently.
Georgia Pacific Human Resources Director Nicole Black invited South Georgia Technical College officials to meet to discuss training opportunities for their staff as well as potential new hires. SGTC officials met Black, GP Maintenance Manager Kyle Wagner, GP Maintenance Supervisor Trent Mock, and GP Electrical Supervisor BJ Bowles.
Georgia Pacific is seeking a multi-faceted approach to the challenge of hiring and retaining quality employees, especially in the maintenance shop. The Electrical and Maintenance Supervisors shared information about the systems and equipment utilized by the Georgia Pacific Lumber Plant. SGTC officials were very knowledgeable with the PLC systems in their industrial systems and welding shop and discussed how SGTC could assist them with new hires while also providing training for the 173 employees at the plant.
As a result of the meeting, SGTC will identify current students desiring employment at Georgia Pacific. Students can also enroll in an apprenticeship program to complete a series of courses including several Technical Certificates of Credit in Welding/Precision Maintenance and Industrial Systems that are in demand.
Georgia Pacific also expressed interest in a partnership to train their current employees to improve their current skills and provide opportunity for future advancement. SGTC offered to host an informational fair to share with Georgia Pacific employees the educational opportunities available.
The two groups also identified additional options to allow Georgia Pacific staff to review six certificate programs that have maintenance/welding and/or electrical/industrial systems. The next step would include Georgia Pacific officials visiting the SGTC Americus and Crisp County campuses for a tour of facilities.
South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for an eight-week mini semester. Classes begin October 14th. To apply visit www.southgatech.edu and click on Apply Now on the top right hand side of the home page. For more information contact Admissions Director Candie Walters at cwalters@southgatech.edu.