July 2024

Workforce Development Newsletter

Fall 2024 SAIL & LEAD

Registration Open


Eight topics developed by the Georgia Mountains Works Employer Partnership are delivered by subject matter experts over 12 weeks. Classes begin in August 2024.


 SAIL at Lanier Technical College

LEAD at North Georgia Technical College

"Instructors consistently ensured understanding and fostered collaboration among students. This experience has boosted my confidence in both management skills and leading meetings."

- Nancy Marin, SAIL Fall 2023

Breaking Barriers: Jeynci's Rise in Manufacturing

To young women considering a career in manufacturing, Jeynci's advice is straightforward yet powerful:

"Run with it, be proud of yourself, and prove people wrong."


Pictured: Whitney Blair, WorkSource Georgia Mountains; Natalie Smith, Gainesville High School; Jeynci Galo and Gale Dale, John Soules Foods; Shelley Logan, Workforce Strategies Group; and Joan Lee, Lanier Technical College.

Jeynci's story is one of resilience and determination, beginning unexpectedly in high school when a teacher introduced her to a manufacturing program. Despite initially planning to study marketing and business management, she embraced the opportunity. Starting the intensive program during the pandemic had many challenges, but her love for learning and perseverance carried her through. The boot camp covered diverse aspects of manufacturing, from tools and workloads to maintenance. As one of the few women in the program, she faced challenges but embraced the learning experience, asking questions and seeking guidance to perfect her role. Upon completing the boot camp, Jeynci joined John Soules Foods as a technician. When the company opened a new facility, her supervisor encouraged her to apply for a position despite her lack of experience. Through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn, she secured the role and was promoted to Process Safety Management Coordinator.

MFG Sector Partners In Action

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According to GDOL's "Hot Careers to 2030", logistical engineers and industrial machinery mechanics will have between 670 and 1,560 new annual job openings. #GMWDataReport

Hart County SkillsUSA students attended the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta. During the event, students participated in a community service project, assembling bicycles for underprivileged children. #HartCounty


JTEKT is not only showcasing cutting-edge bike tech at EUROBIKE this year but also hitting the road at the Tour de France, where they'll be cheering on Team Visma. #LumpkinCounty

Panel Built employees attended the Fastenal Safety Connect at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where over 50 top safety manufacturers and service providers showcased the latest innovations in safety products. #UnionCounty

King's Hawaiian hosted the Greater Hall Chamber's South Hall Business Coalition. Joe Tavenner, Sr. Director of Manufacturing, shared insights on the company's growth during an informative factory tour. #HallCounty

Structure Outdoor founder Scott Selzer, recently joined the Archispeak podcast where he and industry titans engaged in conversation about the hottest trends in outdoor living and heating solutions. #LumpkinCounty