Straight-To-Work Opportunities: School System, Business Partner

DOUGLASVILLE, GA – Douglas County businesses are collaborating with high school seniors to create new job opportunities in the world of manufacturing. In April, 25 seniors from each high school in Douglas County toured West Georgia manufacturing facilities. The companies all have immediate career opportunities available to high school graduates.

"We have nationally and internationally recognized companies in Douglas County that need employees," said Breezy Straton, Project Manager for the Douglas County Economic Development Authority. "The companies offer fabulous career opportunities for students straight out of high school."

The school system partnered with the Douglas County Economic Development Authority, the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, West Georgia Technical College, and the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance to host the 125 students. After the tours, students were treated to lunch where they received information about a nine-day career ready training program sponsored by West Georgia Technical College. Students were encouraged to apply for the program which will take place the week after graduation. Topics that will be covered in the training are basic OSHA 10 requirements; preparation for forklift certification; basic electrical, mechanical and systems operations; and other general workplace skills. At the conclusion of the program, various companies in Douglas County will interview students for immediate job opportunities.

(For more news like this, sign up for Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news in Douglasville — or other neighborhoods. Access Patch on the go with our iPhone app or our brand new app for Android phone users.)

The Douglas County School System is grateful to the following companies for hosting students for the tours: DeNyse Companies, American Red Cross, Gordon Foods, Medline, Southern Aluminum Fabrication (SAF), and Seasons 4.

Chapel Hill HS students visited Gordon Food Service located in Lithia Springs. The company is the largest family-operated broadline food distribution company in North America and has been in business for 120 years.

One of the businesses visited by New Manchester HS students was Medline Industries. Students learned how technology is used in the manufacturing process. Medline is the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies

Photos courtesy Douglas County School System