Ogeechee Technical College's Division of Economic Development recently graduated 17 students in its first Manufacture Ready cohort in Screven County, preparing them to enter the workforce.
Manufacture Ready is a three-week program geared toward graduating high school seniors who have little to no manufacturing experience and want to enter the high-demand and exciting field of manufacturing. Students who graduate from the program are guaranteed a job interview with a major local manufacturer.
Nine of the graduates have already accepted positions with local manufacturers. Jordan Carter, a student at Screven County High School, was hired by Milliken after the program concluded.
“I learned a lot in the Manufacture Ready program including OSHA training and other fun things like learning to drive a forklift,” said Carter. “I also enjoyed the interview process, and I am very thankful for this program.”
Training for the program was provided by local manufacturers and business partners. OTC’s Director for Business and Industry Training, Kathleen Kosmoski, explained that this first cohort of graduates was well received by the instructors.
“Throughout the course of the program, each instructor commented on how engaged and how eager the students were to participate with all of the hands-on activities,” said Kosmoski. “We are thankful for our partners from Koyo Bearings, Milliken, Queensborough Bank, Job Training Unlimited, and The Sack Company for donating their time to help these students gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the manufacturing field.”
During the graduation ceremony, Bobby Smith, Chairman, and Dorie Bacon, CEO, of the Screven County Development Authority presented each graduate with a $50.00 gift voucher. The students can redeem the vouchers to help offset the cost of purchasing clothes, boots, and tools they need when they get their new jobs.
