Foothills Regional High School recently celebrated 10 students who completed the Manufacturing Associate Training program with a focus on electrical systems, earning high school credit and industry-recognized credentials.
“We are incredibly proud of these students for their outstanding achievement,” said Superintendent Sherrie Gibney-Sherman. “By choosing to participate in the Manufacturing Associates certification program, they have positioned themselves as strong candidates for numerous job opportunities after graduation. Their dedication and determination reflect exactly the qualities that employers value most.”
In partnership with Workforce Innovators of America, Foothills offers the Manufacturing Associate program to introduce students to basic communication and employability skills as well as the important skills needed in additive manufacturing, blueprint reading, forklift operating, cranes and rigging, basic electricity, hand tools, torque wrenches and other areas of manufacturing and mechanics. This program design was in partnership with LMI Systems, LLC a northeast Georgia licensed electrical and low-voltage contractor and systems integrator.
“Our team designed the Manufacturing Associates program to equip individuals new to manufacturing and electrical systems with essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication,” said Vice President of Workforce Innovators of America Pete McGill. “Local industry partners emphasized the importance of soft skills—showing up on time, wearing proper protective gear, maintaining a positive attitude, and navigating challenges in the workplace. By working closely with employers, we’ve tailored this program to ensure graduates are prepared and competitive for local job opportunities.”
HireSmart Cares Co-founders Mark and Anne Lackey, who attended the ceremony, recently spoke with the students about the critical elements of resume writing and interview preparation. The Madison County-based nonprofit exists to help today’s youth gain the skills and tools they need to have successful agriculture and trades-based careers.
The Lackeys told the Foothills students that a one-page resume's primary purpose is to secure an interview — not to tell one's life story. They talked about the power of a good cover letter to accompany a resume, as well as a handwritten thank you card following a job interview. The HireSmart team encouraged the students to show respect to everyone encountered during the interview process, from receptionists to interviewers, and to participate in a job interview for the sake of practice even if the job doesn’t interest them, adding that an employer may refer the applicant to another employer with a different job opportunity. They encouraged students to research the company prior to their job interview, noting that asking good questions demonstrates genuine interest and can help candidates stand out in the interview process, while also opening up other job opportunities.
At the end of the presentation, Mark Lackey announced that HireSmart Cares would provide each of the 10 training graduates a voucher for a pair of quality work boots as well as job-related tools for a total of $250 from Midway Farm Supply off Hwy. 98.
Throughout the nine-week course, students earn OSHA 10, Forklift, Lean Six Sigma, and CPR/First Aid/AED credentials as well as training in cranes and rigging, basic electricity, hand tools, torque wrenches, and other areas of manufacturing and mechanics. In addition, participants engage with a life coach who assists them with learning basic life skills needed to be successful in the workforce and instills confidence in their abilities.
Foothills Madison Student Levi Mazariegos (17) said, “I learned about a lot of safety procedures and protective gear. I learned how to operate the brazing tools and how to braze. It’s been great meeting all of the instructors. They have been really cool and have made us feel comfortable. They are all patient and kind.”
The Foothills Madison Manufacturing Associate Training program was funded by the Georgia Foundation for Public Education, in partnership with the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc., through the Workforce for Georgia Grant Program. The grant program provides up to $50,000 to schools and school districts that offer Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) through traditional high school programs or through College and Career Academies (CCA), with support to invest in implementing or scaling programs to better serve students and instructors in the continuation of programs and/or program alignment of educational and training pathways to meet workforce needs of local and regional communities’ industries and businesses.