How can communities better prepare high school students for success and ensure that businesses have the pipeline of skilled workers they need to thrive? Cities and states across the country are facing this dual challenge – and a growing number are looking to high school apprenticeships as a solution. The “Building a Successful Workforce Development Program” educational session at the Georgia Manufacturing Summit will address the critical challenges manufacturers are facing in finding qualified talent for their industry and the positive impact these apprenticeship programs are having in the community.

The Workforce Development panel for the Summit is made up of industry thought leaders who have incorporated these apprenticeships into their workplace and daily culture.

Latesa Bailey, Senior Manager for Human Resources at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia

Kia has partnered with THINC College & Career Academy to implement the Expeditions Internship Program which rotates students through 4 departments – production, paint maintenance, mechanical, and assembly -- to get a true understanding of the manufacturing environment. The selected departments present challenging objectives for the students to gain valuable experience while giving us the ability to realize the potential of our future workforce.

Kathy Carlisle, CEO of the THINC College and Career Academy

This Troup County charter school, which opened August 2015, is tailored for 9th -12th grade students interested in Mechatronics, Engineering, Energy, Healthcare, Business and Marketing careers. This program equips students with technical and career-specific skills as well as strong work ethic and critical thinking skills.

Kathleen Edge, EVP of Human Resources at Southwire

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire’s 12 for Life program is a cooperative education system that provides high school students with classroom instruction, on-the-job training, key work/life skills, and employment opportunities.

Tim Vinson, Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator for Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney has developed a youth apprenticeship program that engages community stakeholders, educators and students in meaningful internships with business partners. This program guides students in their career goals while training them to meet the needs of business and industry.

“High school apprenticeships have been available for quite some time for employers, especially in the manufacturing community,” said Jamey Jackson, EVP of Malone Workforce Solutions and a provider of talent for KMMG. “These opportunities are not offered as much as they could be due to some liability concerns employers have, but students who participate in these programs graduate with a high school diploma, earn college credits, and industry credentials which starts them on a career path to full-time employment.”

About the Georgia Manufacturing Summit: The 2018 Georgia Manufacturing Summit, held October 10th at the Cobb Galleria, is expected to attract over 800 attendees from across the Southeast. The theme will be on the Aerospace Industry, the number one export for the state of Georgia. Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream, and Eric Rojek, V.P. of Sales & Marketing for Thrush Aircraft will be this year’s keynote speakers. This event is for all sectors of the manufacturing industry and allows attendees to make face-to-face connections with other manufacturers, customers, and suppliers.

In addition to the keynote presentations, this event will have over 30 of the top industry leaders from Chart Industries, Cloud & Wire, Decartes, KIA, Kumho Tire, Nisshinbo, Pratt & Whitney, Siemens, Southwire, and more. They will provide educational workshops that focus on Manufacturing Success in Georgia in the key sectors of Disruptive Technologies, Financial Perspectives, International Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing, Supply Chain, and Workforce Development.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: http://www.GeorgiaManufacturingSummit.com