Georgia manufacturers are hiring, and Georgia students wishing to pursue careers in the industry can now apply for scholarships aimed at building the manufacturing workforce in the state. The Manufacturers Education Foundation, in partnership with American Made Movie and American Town LLC and the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation, is funding $20,000 in scholarships this fall to students who enroll in the Technical College System of Georgia.
 
Formerly awarded only to college students who have completed 15 hours in a manufacturing program, scholarships are now also available to recent high school graduates pursuing a career in manufacturing. Scholarships apply to program areas including automated manufacturing technology, engineering technology, electronics technology, industrial systems technology, industrial maintenance, electrical maintenance and mechatronics.
 
“There is no greater need by manufacturers across our state than access to a pool of talent prepared to begin a career in manufacturing,” said Roy Bowen, president of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers. “To grow that pipeline of talent, the Georgia Association of Manufacturers and its member companies must make students, parents, teachers and counselors more aware of the rich career opportunities in manufacturing, and the support for continued education after beginning work.”
 
“Manufacturing is critically important to Georgia’s economy, and this scholarship will help students receive the high degree of training now needed to work in manufacturing,” said Lauren Pugh, Executive Director of the TCSG Foundation. “We appreciate the partnership that is making this scholarship possible.”