As Georgia continues to cement its place as a 21st century manufacturing powerhouse – with its business-friendly, low-cost, warm climate, one area that is getting more attention is developing a capable workforce. After decades of the general zeitgeist preaching four-year college attainment, that is changing a bit and the state’s robust support for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is helping that change.
The state’s new manufacturing jobs require plenty of skills and education but they may not all be found at a four year university. The TCSG helps to administer the College and Careeer Academies program across the state and helps to advocate for CCAs at the legislature.
“College and Career Academies play an important role in ensuring business and industry have a pipeline of skilled talent here in Georgia,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “When we provide high school students more learning opportunities that connect the classroom to the workplace, we are opening doors to meaningful careers for students while filling a workforce need in the community. It’s a win-win.”
There is also an executive board that offers suggestions of ways to improve the CCA system. They have suggested three legislative priorities for this session that may get results this year in this environment. The first is for more bond money for another round of grants to communities to support the establishment of new CCAs. To ensure the system stays most relevant and functions properly – and with limited funding, only a few CCAs are opened at a time. Back in December, Governor Brian Kemp announced the TCSG had approved grants totaling $6 million for two new academies, in Dooly and Monroe Counties.
“These new academies will open doors for hardworking Georgians to pursue new opportunities and grow their skillset so that they find success in the No. 1 state for business,” said Governor Kemp. “As we continue to see unprecedented levels of job creation and investment in the Peach State, we know we need to expand our workforce to sustain our position as the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Innovative approaches like these academies will help us do that.”
The executive board would also like to see expansion of the Hope Career Grant for dual enrollment in a CCA and technical college. Governor Kemp already allowed for funding to pay for nurse aide certification – in an environment desperate for healthcare workers – but the executive board would like to see this extended to all Career Grant/High Demand programs.
Lastly, the executive board would like to see the Public Education Tax Credit renewed, lest it sunset at the end of the year. CCAs are using the tax credit as a fundraising opportunity, with industry partners as well as private individuals. 4C Academy in Albany and the From Here to Career! Academy in Catoosa County have had a lot of success from this credit and the executive board is helping to tout their success to other CCAs across the state. Without the credit, a critical tool for CCA funding could be lost.
