Fifteen students from Monroe Area High School recently participated in a Georgia High School High Tech (HSHT) Manufacturing Institute to learn more about careers in the field of manufacturing through robust hands-on training.
The three-day training experience, coordinated by Career and Technical Instruction Coordinator Jami Cash and Teacher Danielle Smith, took place at Monroe Area High School where engaging instruction was delivered by Georgia Tech-certified HSHT trainers. Upon completion, students earned three certifications in OSHA 10, Lean Six Sigma White Belt Training and Hands-Only CPR/AED.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience that can result in them being more marketable to local and state-wide employers,” said Principal Bryan Hicks. “These industry-recognized certifications are extremely valuable and will set students apart from other candidates as they transition out of high school and pursue careers in the manufacturing industry.”
Manufacturing companies like Kubota, KIA Motors and Caterpillar employ nearly half a million Georgians. Walton County is currently home to many large manufacturing operations including Hitachi, Goodyear, Tucker Door, Silgan Plastics, Takeda, Standridge and Leggett and Platt. As the manufacturing industry continues to grow, the need for skilled workers grows with it. Through opportunities like these and other local partnerships, the Walton County School District is working to provide students with real-world education while also providing businesses in the community with a strong pool of workforce candidates.