The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) celebrate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the importance of Registered Apprenticeship Programs to growing Georgia’s skilled workforce.
All 22 technical colleges, including the system office, serve as registered apprenticeship sponsors making TCSG the largest registered apprenticeship network throughout the state. From mechatronics to medical care, TCSG has served more than 35 in-demand occupations through apprenticeships with more apprenticeship programs in development to launch in the coming year.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia businesses and industries are continuing to innovate and expand, which makes job training for high-demand occupations more important than ever," said Karen Kirchler, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Workforce Development at TCSG. "Registered apprenticeships are excellent opportunities for our workforce, particularly those with barriers, to enter high-earning careers with upward mobility.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 9,000 active apprentices throughout the state of Georgia, which continues Georgia’s rise in apprenticeship activity. This figure is expected to grow with the additional apprenticeship funding available to Georgia employers and apprentices, such as the Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE) Grant and Georgia’s HOPE Career Grant.
To learn about current Apprenticeship Openings through Coastal Pines Technical College, email Buck Thigpen at bthigpen@coastalpines.edu. To get involved or learn more about TCSG’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs, visit TCSG.edu/workforce.