Dr. Jill Biden Highlights Workforce Development Inititatives in Augusta
[Augusta Technical College] has made a series of commitments to expand training, upskilling, and recruitment programs.
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For Immediate Release |
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Media Contact | Original Press Release |
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Kimberly Holden
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First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden Highlights
Workforce Development Initiatives in Augusta
Augusta, GA - November 9, 2023
First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden returned to Augusta to highlight the workforce development initiatives under the Biden-Harris Administration.
During her visit, Dr. Biden unveiled commitments from key anchor institutions in the workforce hub, including Richmond County School District, Aiken Technical College, Augusta Technical College, the City of Augusta, and various local businesses and advocacy groups.
Augusta Technical College, one of the anchor institutions, is taking a leading role in shaping the future of workforce development. The college has made a series of commitments to expand training, upskilling, and recruitment programs, including:
- Nuclear Technician Degree. Augusta Technical College is set to launch a new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship program in partnership with the Savannah River Site in January 2024. The program will support 20 students initially, with an ambitious goal to reach 100 students within three years.
- Registered Apprenticeships with United Association Local 150. The college will establish a curriculum partnership with United Association Local 150 Plumbers & Steamfitters to deliver Registered Apprenticeship programs. The focus will be on outreach and recruitment of underrepresented populations, with an initial cohort of 30 apprentices, aiming to reach 100 apprenticeships in three years.
- Skilled Trades Training in Incarcerated Facilities. Augusta Technical College is expanding its partnership with the Augusta District Attorney’s Office and Richmond County Correctional Facility to provide skilled trades training for 36 incarcerated individuals over the next year. Efforts will be made to scale seamless transition services for those exiting the local incarceration system. Additionally, the college plans to broaden training programs within the incarceration facilities, including forklift driving and exploring opportunities for advanced manufacturing training for soon-to-be-released individuals.
- Collaboration with Augusta Building and Construction Trades Council. The college has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Augusta Building and Construction Trades Council, representing 22 local skilled trades unions across 17 trades. The MOU outlines shared objectives, including union representation on the institution's Technical Advisory Committee, upskilling and reskilling programs for union members, and the creation of pre-apprenticeship pathways to prepare Augusta Technical College students for entry into union apprenticeship programs.
Dr. Jill Biden's visit and these commitments mark a significant step in advancing workforce development and strengthening partnerships in Augusta. These initiatives align with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to expanding opportunities for skill development and career growth.
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About Augusta Technical College
Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit augustatech.edu.