Press Release
(ATLANTA)- The College and Career Academies of Northwest Georgia proudly hosted Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s Ninth Annual Business and Education Summit, a two day event that began on Monday in Dalton, Ga and concluded on Tuesday in Calhoun, Ga. Lt. Governor Cagle named voestalpine Automotive Body Parts Inc. as the 2016 Business Partner of the Year.
“voestalpine Automotive is a true leader in the strategic public-private partnerships necessary to unleash our students’ full potential,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “They are providing the next generation with world class apprenticeship opportunities that empower students to thrive in their desired field after graduation. voestalpine’s success is a clear indicator of the accomplishments our public school systems and private sector job creators can achieve when working together to create a dynamic and skilled workforce that is second to none.”
“This organization is at the forefront of workforce development in our state and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities they are providing Bartow County students,” said Sen. Bruce Thompson. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and commitment they have to our next generation of workers and I look forward to nurturing this fantastic partnership for years to come.”
Sen. Bruce Thompson represents Senate District 14 which includes Bartow and Cherokee counties as well as portions of Cobb.
The summit brought together business, industry and education leaders to discuss and demonstrate the importance of abandoning the one-size-fits-all model in public education. Leaders from around the state highlighted beneficial impacts of innovative classroom settings and instructional methods designed to unleash a students’ full potential while building the workforce to maintain Georgia’s status as the No. 1 state to conduct business. By partnering with local businesses and industries, school systems are implementing relevant career pathways with public-private partnerships that have proven to be effective in filling the current gaps that exist in Georgia’s workforce.
About voestapline’s partnership with Bartow County College and Career Academy:
voestalpine has taken a leading role in ensuring a dynamic workforce in Bartow County and the surrounding region. This innovative company sought out a partner to develop a skilled workforce prior to locating in Bartow County. Although there are many registered U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Programs available for adults throughout the state, voestalpine is the first company in Georgia to organize an approved registered apprenticeship program exclusively for high school students. This program serves as a superior model that can be replicated with other industries in the Bartow community and throughout the state.
About College and Career Academies:
College and Career Academies, an initiative of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, partner local school systems with the state’s technical colleges, other post-secondary institutions and local businesses, enabling the development of high school and college-level programs that train students for quality, in-demand jobs. Students find that the academies’ challenging, hands-on programs provide greater relevancy and value which not only lead to higher graduation rates, but also employment. The specified training for students is attractive to area businesses and communities prosper from the highly-trained and skilled workforce. Businesses have found that partnering with the College and Career Academies provides a qualified and prepared workforce.
Because of Lt. Governor Cagle’s initiative, there are currently over 37 College and Career Academies in Georgia. Approximately 20,000 students from different College and Career Academies across the state enjoy graduation rates in the high ninetieth percentile and 100 percent post-secondary job placement rates.