James July-August 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 31
n the evolving landscape
of education and workforce
development, the Technical
College System of Georgia
(TCSG) stands as a shining
national model of success
and effectiveness. With a network of
22 colleges and numerous satellite
campuses, it is pivotal in shaping the
state’s economic and social fabric. Its
mission of equipping students with
relevant, high-demand skills has not
only transformed lives but also driven
economic growth across Georgia.
TCSG’s primary success lies in its
profound impact on workforce development in the state that continually
is designated as No. 1 in the country
to do business. By closely aligning its
educational programs with the needs
of the job market, TCSG ensures
that students are not merely earning
degrees but are gaining employable, valuable skills that meet the
immediate needs of industries. This
alignment is particularly crucial in a
state that’s home to a diverse range
of industries including agriculture,
technology and manufacturing.
The system’s ability to adapt quickly to the changing demands of these industries means that Georgia businesses
have access to a pool of skilled workers
who are prepared to contribute immediately. This readiness not only helps
businesses thrive but also attracts new
industries to the state, enhancing Georgia’s reputation as a hub for innovation
and industrial diversity.
The numbers alone speak volumes of the success TCSG is experiencing. During the 2024 academic
year, TCSG has recorded the highest
enrollment since 2013, including an
11.5 percent enrollment growth in
high-demand programs. And there’s
more— 91 percent of TCSG students
are placed in jobs in their field of
study, while TCSG has a 99 percent
job placement rate overall.
“That’s a metric we take very seriously,” said Greg Dozier, TCSG commissioner. “We pay very close attention to
the number of students that come to
us for training and actually get a job.
It’s all about training and connectivity
with the industry.”
Innovations in Education
TCSG has long been a leader in
educational innovation, particularly in
its embrace of technology and flexible learning options. Their innovative
thinking not only makes education
more accessible but also ensures that
TCSG can reach a broader demographic, including adult learners and working professionals.
“As we continue to move forward,
innovation has to remain at the forefront,” said Dozier. “We must be ready
to move forward with new ideas. Innovation is the key to future job growth
and building and retaining a strong
workforce pool. We must always be
looking at the future and what the job
demand is going to be in fields that
don’t even exist right now.”
Georgia’s Secret Weapon
TCSG serves as a “secret weapon”
for the state’s economic development
and workforce preparedness in several
key ways, but is never more evident
than through the Customized Workforce Training program— Quick Start.
The program is nationally recognized for its effectiveness in providing
tailored training that meets specific
industry needs. This program collaborates directly with businesses to
develop custom training solutions,
ensuring that the workforce is prepared with the precise skills required
in today’s job market.
Furthermore, TCSG’s system-wide
education structure supports various
high-tech and specialized skills training
programs across colleges, with a focus
on aligning educational outcomes with
job market needs. Their educational
offerings are vast, including associate
degrees, diplomas, and certificates
in fields ranging from healthcare to
information technology, ensuring that
students are job-ready upon graduation.
According to Dozier, Quick Start is
one of five pillars that he likes to talk
about when referring to the “secret
weapon” label. The others are customized training, adult learning, employer
services and technical education.
TCSG provides wide-reaching
access to education and training. This
extensive network allows it to serve a
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