Middle Georgia Technical College

Hawkinsville students get work experience

August 13, 2007

Two MGTC students from Pulaski County enrolled at the Sam A. Way, Sr. Learning Center in Hawkinsville are getting valuable work experience at Hollingsworth and Vose. Matt Nelson and T.J. Williamson are beginning to transition their training from the Certified Manufacturing Specialist (CMS) program into the real world at the Hawkinsville manufacturer.

The students are in their final quarter of study at MGTC and are fulfilling the requirements for completion by working part-time at Hollingsworth and Vose.

“We’re very excited to have Matt and T.J. here,” said Gary Sharpe, Mill Superintendent. “We find that students from MGTC come to us with more computer knowledge and that helps us. Matt and T.J. are no exception and have come to us ready to work.”

The students have been hired to work on a trial basis while they complete their training at MGTC. “Hands-on education is an integral part of what we do at MGTC,” said Dana Grinstead, CMS Instructor. “We’re delighted that H&V has given our students this opportunity.”

Williamson and Nelson, who began the CMS program in April and will finish in September, are pleased to be taking part in the partnership. “The program at MGTC has prepared me to go work. H&V has given me the opportunity to reinforce that training in a safe, hands-on environment,” said Nelson.

Williamson said that he enjoyed the fact that “everyone around you is dedicated to getting the job done” at Hollingsworth and Vose.

“We at Hollingsworth and Vose are looking forward to the arrangement we’ve developed with MGTC,” said Joan Pape, Human Resources Manager.

The Certified Manufacturing Specialist program is a two quarter technical certificate of credit program offered by MGTC at the Hawkinsville Workforce Development Center. The MGTC Hawkinsville Workforce Development Center opened in January 2007 thanks to a partnership between local, state, and federal governments and significant citizen contributions. The Center hosts regular instruction in credit courses, non-credit continuing education courses, GED and Adult Literacy training, as well as Economic Development programs to benefit Pulaski County and the surrounding community.

T.J. Williamson, Dana Grinstead, Matt Nelson, H&V employee Keith McKenzie, and H&V Mill Superintendent Gary Sharpe on the job site.