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The Continuing Education Department at Heart of Georgia Technical College recently held a computer class to teach Introduction to Microsoft Word. Pictured is the class and instructor, Mary Lu Thomas.
For information on upcoming computer classes and other educational training needs at HGTC call 478-275-6592.
Dr. Randall Peters, president of Heart of Georgia Technical College, is shown presenting career coloring books to Ms. Toni Pollard, counselor, Wilkinson County Primary School. The coloring books will be distributed to second graders. The books depict the various career offerings available at Heart of Georgia Technical College.
Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) and the Wilkinson County Development Authority recently hosted a 12 @ 12 meeting to discuss workforce development . Pictured is Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president, discussing educational issues and new training opportunities with the mayors, business leaders, and Authority leaders.
The Community Training Center (CTC) of Heart of Georgia Technical College was represented at the Georgia Health Care Association Mid-Winter Convention which was held in Atlanta. Jenny Shuman, HGTC marketing coordinator; Jep Craig, HGTC vice president of economic development; and Beverly Trevisol, HGTC Community Training Center director are pictured at the exhibit booth. The CTC facilitates instructor training in CPR, First Aid, and IV Therapy. For more information, call (478) 275-5148 or visit the web at www.heartofgatech.edu and click on the Community Education tab.
Georgia Regions Will Work Together to Strengthen Strategic Industries
ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today awarded $3.5 million in grants to seven Georgia regions committed to becoming Work Ready Regions. These regions bring together their assets and leaders to create regional talent pools targeting existing strategic industries and to increase economic development opportunities.
“The Work Ready Regions initiative is being led by businesses and will link workforce, education and economic development to ensure Georgia’s workforce is our state’s number one competitive advantage,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “This effort will drive continued growth and prosperity throughout the state.”
The seven Work Ready Regions grant recipients include:
- Northwest Georgia for automotive advanced manufacturing
(Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Paulding, Walker and Whitfield Counties)
- Western central Georgia for aerospace advanced manufacturing
(Chattahoochee, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Stewart, Talbot and Taylor Counties)
- Middle Georgia for aerospace advanced manufacturing
(Bibb, Houston, Peach and Pulaski Counties)
- Middle Georgia for advanced manufacturing
(Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler and Wilkinson Counties)
- Eastern Georgia for logistics, distribution and warehousing
(Bryan, Bulloch and Candler Counties)
- Western Georgia for automotive advanced manufacturing
(Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Meriwether, Talbot, Troup and Upson Counties)
- Northeast Georgia for bioscience
(Barrow, Clarke, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton Counties)
Additional counties may be added to some regions as the Work Ready Region process proceeds.
Amy Harrelson, Work Ready Coordinator for the Heart of Georgia Manufacturing Region, is excited about the opportunities that will be in store by being a recipient of this grant. “The businesses and industries in our region will benefit greatly from this grant. Heart of Georgia Technical College is the grant administrator and will be involved every step of the way,” commented Harrelson.
The potential Work Ready Regions will each receive a $500,000 grant to assist in increasing the skill level of its workforce. Specifically, increasing the number of individuals in the workforce holding a Work Ready Certificate, ensuring each county in the region earns Certified Work Ready Community status, encouraging local employers to complete Work Ready job profiles and providing specialized training for the existing workforce.
“These regions will develop the future workforce pipeline for these identified growth industries by continuing to increase the regional high school graduation rate and establishing life-long learning through a seamless career pathway from high school through the state’s two- and four-year colleges,” said Governor Perdue.
Each regional effort is being led by a local businessperson associated with the strategic industry, according to Debra Lyons, director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development (GOWD). This leader will work closely with GOWD to ensure continuity of efforts among the various regions, and will assemble an industry network to ensure the region’s work plan meets the needs of the industry, both current and future. Mr. Bob Dixon will be the Project Manager for the Heart of Georgia Manufacturing Region.
In addition, six other Georgia regions have been awarded membership in the Work Ready Region Policy Academy. Lyons said local leaders will learn how to access and use economic development and workforce data to identify the best strategic industry for their region, develop an overall regional work plan and prepare for the next round of Work Ready Region grants.
“Work Ready has the potential to propel our state's economic growth," said George M. Israel, III, president & CEO of the 4,100-member Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “By bringing our regions together, committed to a common goal, Georgia can enhance its role as a player in the highly competitive race to attract new industry.”
Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based upon a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs.
For more information on the local Work Ready initiative please contact Amy Harrelson at 478-274-3010 or visit the Web site at www.gaworkready.org.
HGTC’s Work Ready program applies for $.5 million grant
In 2006, Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce formed a partnership to develop a program designed to meet economic and workforce needs called the Georgia Work Ready Program. Heart of Georgia Technical College Work Ready/Continuing Education Coordinator, Amy Harrelson, recently applied for the Work Ready Region Grant of one-half million dollars that will serve the Heart of Georgia Manufacturing Region. If approved, the grant will benefit an eight county service region including Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Wilkinson, Wheeler, Telfair, Johnson, and Treutlen.
The grant, written following the Governor’s Strategic Plan for Workforce Development, is based on developing the workforce pipeline with the education community, engaging at-risk and out-of-school youth in education and workforce training, encouraging life-long learning as the solution to a changing work environment, removing barriers to work to ensure all Georgians are able to participate fully in the workforce, aligning workforce development with economic development, and developing and implementing an effective public awareness campaign.
Harrelson, who personally delivered the grant application to Atlanta, is already seeing success with the Work Ready program. Accuity Brands located in Cochran recently profiled jobs for the manufacturing firm, “Ms. Amy Harrelson worked with us to establish the Workready program for several job classifications within our facility. The professionalism she displayed gave our employees confidence in the assessments. The guidelines that were established will allow us to have some objective methods of assessing job applicants. The training available to those who fall short will allow those parties with the motivation, to improve their skills and should provide an increase in candidates who are capable of performing well,” according to Steve Odom of Accuity.
Harrelson completed training to become a Certified Job Profiler in 2007. The Profiler is available to any company presently hiring employees to evaluate positions. HGTC has been designed a Work Ready Assessment Center where job skills are tested. The profile is free of charge to the company or employee. If an individual scores below the set skill level required, internet based GAP training through Worldwide Interactive Network is available at no cost to increase that person’s employability and knowledge base.
Anyone interested in taking the Work Ready Assessment Test can contact Libby Lester at 478-274-7929 at HGTC.
HGTC students receive scholarships
Nine Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for winter quarter.
Those receiving the award are Krystal Howell of Helena, Melissa Best of McRae, Crystal G. Herndon of Hazelhurst, Edna F. Wilson of Alamo, Jodi McCranie of Helena, Artia Mack of McRae, Gwendolyn D. Harris of McRae, Leah Davis of Milan, and Timothy Robinson of Alamo.
The Technology Fee Scholarship is awarded quarterly to students enrolled in a program of study at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center (LOIC) of the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The scholarship is awarded to students who are in a good academic standing with the college. The scholarship is also based on financial need and the amount of funds available for the award.
The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make a donation to support the technology fee scholarship, please contact Laurie Wicker at 478-274-7878 or 478-274-7880, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.
Chance meeting lands HGTC grad job
Summer Tripp was thrilled to be chosen as one of Heart of Georgia Technical College’s Tools for Occupational Leadership (TOOLS) recipients, but she had no idea that being selected for that honor would help her reach her ultimate education goal – landing a position with a local firm where she could begin her career.
While attending the TOOLS Awards program in December 2005, local business owner Scott Beasley heard about a young woman with the skills needed to fill a vacant position with Duncan Tire Company. The TOOLS program is part of The Foundation at HGTC and is supported by the Louie Livingston Family Foundation and Morris State Bank.
As a Director for the bank, Beasley was in attendance at the TOOLS program. After the presentations, Beasley met Tripp. Two years later Tripp is the Office Manager of the Hillcrest Parkway of Duncan Tire. Beasley says, “As soon as I left the program I went to the office and told Lisa, our downtown office manager that I wanted to know more about Summer Tripp. Summer had applied earlier for a position with us, but was going to school full-time. Within three minutes, I had Summer’s application and she was on her way to meet with us and has been with us since. She is part of the Duncan Tire family.”
Beasley has not been disappointed with Tripp’s skills and work ethic, “Her skills and knowledge of computers are excellent. She has fit right in with our team.” Having begun classes at HGTC through Dual Enrollment while a senior at West Laurens High School, Tripp was able to complete her studies in Business Office Technology in less than 18 months while working full-time. She chose HGTC because she could start her classes while still in high school and pursue her chosen field of study.
According to Beasley, service technicians working with Duncan Tire have completed courses to maintain ASE certifications from HGTC, “HGTC is meeting workforce needs. Technology is changing so fast; HGTC provides the education for our technicians to stay on top of the changes.”
Tripp credits HGTC with her career opportunity, “Thanks to HGTC, I met my boss. I got a phone call the same day as the TOOLS program from the Office Manager. I love my job. I would not be where I am today if it were not for HGTC. I am so thankful for all the teachers and staff that helped me along the way.”
Rockwell manager is thankful for start at HGTC
When Joe Thomas graduated from West Laurens High School in 1984, his dad persuaded him that going to the local technical school would be his best option, “He steered me in that direction and I give him the credit for all that education has done for me.” Thomas graduated with one of the first classes at Heart of Georgia Technical College in 1986 with a diploma in Electronics.
After graduation, Thomas and another HGTC graduate began working at Rockwell International in Electronics. After a couple of years Thomas left Rockwell for a position with Motorola when cellular phones first appeared. He returned to Rockwell and has held a number of positions working in Engineering, Materials, Production, Maintenance and Administration. He also continued his education at Middle Georgia College, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Business and Applied Science, being selected Business Student of the Year. Thomas says his current position of Plant Manager at Rockwell Automation is the result of his work and life experiences and the advice his father gave him, “I credit my father with my decision to pursue an education in Electronics and I credit the Good Lord for the success I have had in my career.”
Thomas’ practical knowledge and management skills are a unique blend in manufacturing and often surprise his bosses, “Because of my experience I can relate to production as well as management. One minute I may be talking to my bosses and the next to one of our technicians. Understanding the basics of production and management gives me an advantage in both situations. It is never a dull moment.”
One of Rockwell’s Senior Level Technician’s, William Simpson, is an example of the benefit of the Electronics program at HGTC when coupled with practical experience, “William has an outstanding knowledge of electronics and of computer. He also has a great work ethic,” says Thomas.
Thomas sees the future of technical education as very strong, “As we move more toward a service oriented society, HGTC is leading by providing education for more service positions. In particular we continue to see growth in demand for Allied Health and Education graduates. They will be able to offer more courses of study when the new Allied Health building is completed.” He is pleased to see that HGTC values work ethics by giving a grade to each student for skills that employers are looking for, “Ethics and integrity are huge. The Ethics Program is great and is important when looking at someone to hire.”
Above all, when deciding one’s education and career, planning is key to Thomas, “I think you need a plan. It is hard to know what you want to do when you are young and just getting out of high school. Guidance is the key.”
HGTC offers tests to help students choose what field of study they are interested in and have an aptitude for. Information about tests can be obtained by calling Libby Lester, 274-7929.
Horadan scholarship to be awarded in spring
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation will award the first Horadan Scholarship this spring. In 2002 Dr. Lloyd Horadan established a scholarship in memory of his mother, Joyce Horadan.
After five years, the scholarship has reached maturity to make the first award in May 2008. The $500 Horadan Scholarship will be awarded annually to an early childhood care and education student. To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be enrolled in the HGTC early childhood care and education associate degree program, successfully completed 12 credit hours, and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
Dr. Horadan is currently the president for Sandersville Technical College. Prior to becoming president of Sandersville Tech, Dr. Horadan worked for Heart of Georgia Technical College for 11 years.
“We are very excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to our early childhood care and education students,” said Laurie Wicker, director of development. Students completing the early childhood care and education associate degree program are eligible to work as a paraprofessional (pre-K through 12 grade); a director of a child care center; or Head Start teacher.
HGTC graduate uses skills on mission field
For Richard Yoder, hard work and self-sacrifice has been a way of life. Most recently, Yoder used his nursing skills learned at Heart of Georgia Technical College on the mission field in Central America.
Raised on the family’s dairy farm and later working with the family business, Yoder’s strong work ethic was developed at a young age under the influence of his parents and extended family.
While a student at HGTC, Yoder was selected LPN Student of the Year by the Georgia Licensed Practical Nurses Association, Inc. He also participated in health fairs and assisted with sport’s physicals for local public high schools. In his early twenties, Yoder worked with his church’s outreach ministry where he traveled to Africa and Honduras for three years.
Yoder’s choice to become a LPN came from his desire to help others. He always planned on returning to mission work after completing his education and receiving his license. After graduating in October, Yoder left for the five week mission trip to Central America, “In Honduras I was able to use nursing skills that I learned while studying at HGTC to assist in a clinic sponsored by Christian Light Missions from Bedford, Pennsylvania.”
Mission work is at the heart of Yoder’s interest in nursing, “My primary focus is still to use my nursing education in mission work. Lord willing, I will be going to Erandique, Lempira, Honduras to work as a nurse in the clinic. I am still working out details of when I will begin working there, but I am hoping to begin no later than the end of February. I am excited about this opportunity because I believe the education I received at HGTC has given me an excellent knowledge base to prepare me for the job, and I know that I will get a lot of practical hands-on experience.”
Yoder says he also plans to continue his education, “One of my goals is to earn a RN licensure within five years. I am investigating various nursing programs; hopefully I can find one that I can begin at least some of the courses online while I am in Honduras.”
West Central Technical College president to be keynote speaker at HGTC GED graduation
Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of West Central Technical College, is slated to be the keynote speaker at the Heart of Georgia Technical College GED graduation on Thursday, January 17, 2008.
Sullivan has served as President of West Central Technical College for a little over one year. He was previously employed as Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Miller College in Battle Creek, Michigan; Provost and CEO of Glenville State Community and Technical College in Summersville, West Virginia; and Chair of Academic and Development Studies at Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin.
Dr. Sullivan holds a Doctorate from the University of Georgia in Athens, a Masters Degree from Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, and a Bachelors from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga. He has 20 years of prior business and industry experience.
Dr. Sullivan’s interests include reading, weight lifting, golfing, and spending time with his family.
The graduation ceremony will recognize residents of Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Telfair, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties who have earned a GED diploma. Honor graduates will be recognized, and those graduates who made the highest scores on the GED exam will receive a plaque.
The ceremony, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Heart of Georgia Tech DuBose Porter Business and Industry Center, is free and open to the public.
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Club, along with the Dublin Rotary Club, Caring Companions, and Fairview Fitness Park, held a Blankets for Seniors drive during November and December 2007. Blankets were distributed through Helping Hand. Pictured are HGTC PBL members/volunteers (l-r): Jill Horne (Dodge); Angela Roland (Laurens); Teresa Dean (Bleckley); Jimmy Dean (Bleckley); Tamara Jackson (Washington); and Eddie Mathis (Wheeler). Phi Beta Lambda is a national organization for business and information technology students.
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Club sponsored an Angel Tree during December 2007. Pictured (l-r) are club members/volunteers as they prepare to deliver the gifts to the Department of Family and Children Services: Tamara Jackson (Washington); Teresa Dean (Bleckley); Jimmy Dean (Bleckley); Jill Horne (Dodge); Eddie Mathis (Wheeler); and Angela Roland (Laurens).
Two Heart of Georgia Technical College employees recently received honors. Rick Swanson, dean for Student Affairs and Brooka Hutcheson, director of Admissions, were recognized by The Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for successfully completing the GISEM curriculum and being endorsed as Registered Enrollment Professionals (REP) and charter members.
To be named an REP, an individual must have improved professional readiness in the field of Enrollment Management by attending two annual conferences, completed a prescribed Institute curriculum of twelve contact hours, completed three on-site field visits to colleague institutions, and writing three peer review assessments describing the enrollment operations at each campus. Pictured: Charter Class of 2007
Technical College Executives Graduate from Leadership Academy
Jep Craig Included in Class of Rising Leaders
27 technical college executives from across the state of Georgia just graduated from the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Executive Leadership Academy.
Mr. Jep Craig, vice president of economic development of Heart of Georgia Technical College was among the 2007 academy class graduates.
Participation in the academy is selective and by invitation only. Mr. Craig was nominated to attend the academy by his college president, Dr. Randall Peters, and then approved by the Executive Leadership Academy’s board of directors.
Currently in its second year, the intensive, ten-month academy is held on technical college campuses across Georgia and is designed to acquaint participants with the leadership and managerial responsibilities of TCSG executives. While the program is specifically geared to the policies and procedures of the TCSG, the curriculum is sufficiently broad in scope to have application to public two-year colleges in any state and includes topics ranging from ethics and board operations to institutional effectiveness, accreditation issues, strategic planning, and more.
“Our focus is to use the academy to develop the next generation of great leaders for Georgia’s technical colleges,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. “The academy’s programs are ideal for providing these rising executives with unique opportunities to obtain valuable leadership experience.”
Jackson also had high praise for the academy participants. “I can tell you first hand that this class possesses superb leadership talents and an intense dedication to technical education,” said Jackson. “This group was very poised, and each possesses exceptional skills and strengths that will carry our system forward in the years to come.”
Last year, more than 6,500 instructors educated 152,000 students enrolled at the 33 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia. The colleges offer more than 600 degree, diploma and certificate programs in a variety of fields including the growing and in-demand career areas of healthcare, aerospace, life sciences, energy and the environment, and agribusiness.
Pictured: Commissioner Jackson and Mr. Craig
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