Central Georgia Technical College

Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is one of 22 colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia and serves 11 middle Georgia counties, including Putnam. For almost 20 years, the College has offered programs and services to the local community through its center in Eatonton. Putnam County residents have local access to credit instruction, adult education courses, including literacy skills and test preparation, and customized business and industry training services through the College’s Economic Development unit. Academic and occupational coursework is delivered at the CGTC Putnam Center through traditional and distance education delivery designed to promote community and workforce development. Additionally, the College serves a large population of Dual Enrollment high school students at Putnam County High School and Gatewood Schools. CGTC’s main campus is in Warner Robins with two more campuses in Macon and Milledgeville, and additional centers in Crawford, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, and Twiggs counties, and the GA VECTR Center.

In the early 2000s, Putnam County invested in workforce development by applying for grants and seeking private donations to build the Putnam County Workforce Development Center located at 580 James Marshall Bypass in Eatonton. Roddie Ann Blackwell, former president of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce and project manager for the Putnam Development Authority, led this effort and her vision became a reality in September of 2002 with the opening of the CGTC Putnam County Center. Blackwell served on the Board of Directors at CGTC and championed technical education in her home community.

Access to technical education in Putnam County has improved the lives of many residents through various educational pathways for students. These pathways are affordable, accredited, and easily attainable for everyone. With over 200 programs of study, transferable coursework and articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, and adult education services, CGTC can be a starting point for anyone’s educational needs. Articulation agreements give students an affordable and easily attainable way to begin their post-secondary education. These agreements signify acceptance of coursework at partnering institutions and help shorten a student’s time to degree completion. As a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges (SACSCOC), CGTC has developed many partnerships with four-year colleges and universities. Partners include Gordon College, Georgia Military College, Middle Georgia State University, Mercer University, Kennesaw State University, and more.

CGTC also offers a study abroad program for credit and dual enrollment students. The College has taken groups to England, Scotland, and Ireland for immersive two-week sessions in the summer. This option offers a wonderful avenue to study the culture and history of these countries while earning transferrable college credit.

CGTC is vital to the economic development of our community and supports business and industry by developing a well-trained workforce and by offering customized training. The College’s Economic Development division can tailor any type of training to meet a business’s specific needs. This group also provides no-cost support services to new and expanding industries.

The CGTC Putnam County Center plays a key role in implementing the mission of the College in our community. Enrollment and instructional services are provided to hundreds of students and the College’s partnerships with local development authorities, the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce, local high schools, and community organizations to strengthen the workforce development pipeline. Visit www.centralgatech.edu or call 706-923-5000 to explore the many resources that are available locally to you as an individual or to your business.

M M e e e e t t C C G G T T C C P P U U T T N N A A M M C C O O U U N N T T Y Y D D II R R E E C C T T O O R R ,, c c a a r r r r ii e e d d ii e e t t r r ii c c h h

Carrie Jones Dietrich is a life long resident of Putnam County. After graduating from Putnam County High School, she attended Georgia College and State University and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Ms. Dietrich has over 22 years of experience in higher education with specializing in student recruitment, career services and operations. Ms. Dietrich is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and the Putnam Leadership Program. She has served on many local boards during her career, including Putnam County Family Connection and the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a volunteer for the Putnam Leadership program for the past 13 years. She is an educational partner with the Putnam County Charter School System and currently serves on the Putnam County Middle School’s Governing Authority. Ms. Dietrich is the Operations Director of the Putnam County Center of Central Georgia Technical College and oversees the daily operations of the college in Eatonton.