The College and Career Academies of Northwest Georgia proudly hosted Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s Ninth Annual Business and Education Summit, a two day event that began on Monday in Dalton, GA and concluded in Calhoun, GA.  Lt. Governor Cagle named voestalpine Automotive Body Parts Inc. as the Business Partner of the Year.

“voestalpine Automotive is a true leader in the strategic public-private partnerships necessary to unleash our students’ full potential,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “They are providing the next generation with world class apprenticeship opportunities that empower students to thrive in their desired field after graduation. voestalpine is a clear indicator of the successes our public school systems and private sector job creators can achieve when working together to create a dynamic and skilled workforce second to none.”

“This organization is at the forefront of workforce development in our state and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities they are providing Bartow County students,” said Sen. Bruce Thompson. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and commitment they have to our next generation of workers and I look forward to nurturing this fantastic partnership for years to come.”

Sen. Bruce Thompson represents Senate District 14 which includes Bartow and Cherokee counties as well as portions of Cobb.

The summit brought together business, industry, and education leaders to discuss and demonstrate the importance of abandoning the one-size- fits-all model in public education. Leaders from around the state highlighted beneficial impacts of innovative classroom settings and instructional methods designed to unleash a students’ full potential while building the workforce to maintain Georgia’s status as the No.1 state to conduct business. By partnering with local businesses and industries, school systems are implementing relevant career pathways with public-private partnerships proven effective in filling the current gaps that exist in Georgia’s workforce.