Economic Development Newsletter

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADULT EDUCATION

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Welcome!

The quarterly newsletter from NGTC’s Economic Development Department is now live. Through collaboration with industry and community partners, we have been pivotal in advancing workforce development in our region. This edition showcases our team’s accomplishments, unwavering commitment, and introduces new program offerings as we strive to shape a future where education becomes a powerful force for empowerment.

Leslie McFarlin Vice President of Economic Development

leslie.mcfarlin@northgatech.edu

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

u LEAD – Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Program: NGTC in partnership with Worksource Georgia will be offering a new leadership development program with course competencies in the areas of problem solving, communication for results, emotional intelligence, continuous improvement, HR do’s & don’ts, performance management, safety focus, and leading meetings. Click “Learn More” for more information.

u Quality Control Technician Apprenticeship: We are excited to announce NGTC in partnership with Worksource Georgia will be offering a new Quality Control Technician program available in March of 2024! The Quality Assurance program combines onthe-job learning mentored by your internal experts with focused education at a technical college. For more information, email adam.fulbright@northgatech.edu.

u September 28, 2023: Panelbuilt Inc. of Blairsville, GA celebrated 17 team members’ completion of a 7-week Leadership Bootcamp provided by North Georgia Technical College.

“This training has been very helpful; Craig Oglesby has inspired me pursue growth and continue to learn.”

u October 13, 2023: North Georgia Technical College, in partnership with the Georgia Department Corrections, and Worksource Georgia Mountains celebrated 10 students from the Lee Arrendale Transition Center all completed an extensive 10-week welding training course. These students earned a nationally recognized certification from the American Welding Society. NGTC would like to thank Kubota Manufacturing of America and Habersham Metals for their partnerships in creating a viable employment pipeline for these graduates.

u SACA (Smart Automation Certification Alliance)

u Business and Biscuits: On November 16th, NGTC’s Economic Development team convened industry and community partners from the 8-county service area for the 2023 Business and Biscuits Advisory Roundtable Meeting. Stephanie Scearce, Director of Workforce Development at the Georgia Association of Manufacturers, addressed the group, sharing insights into their efforts to address the workforce gap. Following this, the participants engaged in a roundtable discussion, exploring individual workforce requirements, and exploring collaborative avenues for NGTC to assist in meeting these needs.

Partnership: NGTC Economic Development, Business and Industry Manager, Adam Fulbright recently earned the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Gold Level Instructor certification. This will allow North Georgia Technical College to offer Maintenance Technicians, Professionals, and Instructors in the industrial and manufacturing industry skill assessments and training leading to SACA’s nationally and industry-recognized credentials.

ADULT EDUCATION

u Integrated Education Training: NGTC offers Integrated Education Training (IET) in OSHA10/Forklift, Welding, and Automotive and Light Repair. Coming soon is a Manufacturing Ready Program.

u Adult Education Graduation: Held on November 9th –Clarkesville Campus – November 14th – Blairsville Campus. We had 42 graduates participate in both ceremonies.

u EAGLE and Teacher of the Year: We had five nominees who participated in NGTC’s Exceptional Adult Georgia in Literacy Award (EAGLE) competition. The winner is Christie Campbell from Franklin County. Randy Wood from Franklin County is NGTC’s

2023-24 Adult Education Teacher of the Year. He will be competing in the Spring for the statewide title of Technical College Adult Education Teacher of the Year.

Student Highlights

Habersham County – We have six ESL students who have received their US citizenship.

Randy Wood

Christie Campbell

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Continuing Education program at NGTC offers a broad range of affordable, non-credit options for everyone. We are committed to public service, community outreach, and continuing education for those desiring lifelong learning.

Mountain Doers

The new Membership year for the Mountain Doers Group runs January 1st through December 31st. Anyone interested in joining can contact Vicky Frankum.

What is the Purpose of the Mountain Doers?

To allow the local community opportunities to participate in college activities and events within a service and social environment. Providing a group setting of like-minded individuals who are interested in an endless journey of continuing education and personal enrichment.

Many personal enrichment opportunities are available in non-traditional learning environments such as educational tours.

Vicky Frankum

706-754-7716

vicky.frankum@northgatech.edu

Hair Show

The NGTC Mountain Classic Hair Show took place on September 18, 2023. The well-attended Hair Show satisfied the required Continuing Education Hours for those in the Hair Design Industry. The event featured keynote speaker, Aleia Mosley of Macon, GA. Other presenters included Thermal Design by Salon Centric; The Cutting Edge by Hattori Hanzo; Tid Bits and Tricks Color by Thrix; Makeup by Noel and was deejayed by 107.7 The Breeze.

Upcoming Workforce Training Courses

March 5 Electrical Continuing Education Course

March 11 & 18 ServSafe for Managers

March 12 - April 23 Introduction to Digital Photography

March 14 Paint Your Own Canvas

March, June, September & October 2024

Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT) Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing (CFOS/T), Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S)

April 11 Teacup Succulent Arrangement

April 25 & 27 Gun Safety Level 1 Course

October 2024 Forklift Safety

“

The continuing education classes at NGTC are such a great way to invest in yourself and your own mental health. As adults it’s so important to foster an attitude of continuing to challenge yourself to learn new things and these classes allow you to do that in a fun community with other like-minded adults!”

For more information on upcoming Continuing Education courses click here.

Testing Centers

Do you have certification or proctored testing needs?

Contact: Leslie Foster

Associate Vice President lfoster@northgatech.edu

Driver’s Education

For more information on testing services click here.

Learning to drive can be overwhelming! With classes at all three of our campuses in Clarkesville, Currahee, and Blairsville, you can fulfill Joshua’s Law requirements and be better prepared to get your driver’s license.

For more information on Driver’s Education courses click here.

The driver’s education program is sponsored by the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission.

MORE FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Conference Center Facilities

NGTC’s Conference Centers are fabulous for meetings, banquets, and other customized events. Help in planning business or civic events is available with a courteous and experienced coordinator and staff. Clients may cater events with a selection of local area businesses. Click the link below to learn more about our rentable spaces at our Blairsville, Currahee, and Clarkesville Campuses.