Page 53 - Robins Region NCG 2019

to manage the evolution of streamlined
processes and enhanced technology.
“As we continued to automate our
facilities, we found that the talent pool
to maintain machines wasn’t available,”
Gregg Roden, Senior Vice President
of Supply Chain at Frito-Lay, told the
Washington Post in 2017.
Curriculum was developed over
the next few years and refined into
the Industrial Maintenance pathway.
Through the coursework, junior
and senior high school students
gain hands-on practical experience
in welding, hydraulics, mechanical
fundamentals, electricity, and machine
alignment. Students in the program
are dual-enrolled through Central
Georgia Technical College and, upon
completion of the program, will earn an
industry-recognized certificate.
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www.RobinsRegion.com • 478-922-8585
Instead of floundering in the years presents students an opportunity similar to
after high school, program graduates find being drafted into professional sports.
themselves in a competitive field, but
“These extremely talented students
with a distinct advantage as they enter
are going from high school straight to
the workforce.
the big leagues,” Shelley said. “Talent is
“One hundred percent of the not the only ingredient in this recipe for
students in the dual enrollment Industrial success; it also takes time, people, and
Maintenance pathway are offered an a place. The time is now. The people are
opportunity to interview with Frito- the administration at the Houston County
Lay,” Phelps said of the apprenticeship Board of Education, Central Georgia
positions, which can ultimately serve as Technical College, and management at
a launching pad for a secure, long-term Frito-Lay. And the Houston County Career
career in industrial maintenance.
Academy is definitely the place.”
Frito-Lay’s apprenticeship program
Phelps concluded, “Our career academy
takes an approach popular in Europe,
prepares students for the workforce which
specifically Germany, to groom its next
provides local employers with the trained,
generation of workers. The program
skilled laborers they need. Our vision is to
pairs “cadets” with mentors at the Perry
become the premier model in the state
manufacturing facility for on-the-job
of Georgia by offering a seamless pipeline
training while cadets work to complete
of workers to high demand careers in
their Industrial Systems associate
strategically identified industries.”
degree from Central Georgia Technical
College (CGTC). For more information, contact Sabrina
Phelps, principal of Houston County
According to CGTC Industrial Systems
Career Academy, at 478-322-3280 or
Instructor/Program Chair Tony Shelley,
SABRINA.PHELPS@hcbe.net.
the program is not only the first of its
kind in the state and nation, it also - by Andrew Smith
w 49 49
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