Approximately 30 members of the Greater Columbus Home Builders Association (GCHBA) visited Columbus Technical College Thursday to learn how these two organizations can strengthen their working relationship and better serve the community. According to its website, the Home Builders Association is a nonprofit trade association that represents the construction industry in Muscogee, Harris, Marion, Chattahoochee, Talbot, and Taylor Counties.

Columbus Technical College President Lorette Hoover spoke with attendees about how the College helps high school students get a jump start on their career and/or education thanks to free college courses provided through Georgia’s dual enrollment program and addressed the college’s role of providing job-ready education and skills training in conjunction with the Greater Columbus Chamber’s Columbus 2025 initiative.

“From carpentry and cabinetmaking to air conditioning technology, welding, and more, our students are being trained to go to work,” Hoover said. “Our students learn in traditional settings as well as through hands-on learning, internships, and apprenticeships. By hiring them, you will get an employee who’s ready to work and who comes with a guarantee.”

Tim Vinson coordinates those apprenticeships for Muscogee; he was also in attendance at Thursday’s gathering. Vinson, along with representatives from the College, Muscogee county schools, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and others, have worked tirelessly to bring the county’s first College and Career Academy at Jordan High School to fruition. It is on track to open this fall.

The guarantee mentioned by President Hoover is through the Technical College System of Georgia. In essence, it states that if any student who graduated from a TCSG program is not prepared in a competency in which he or she has been trained, the hiring employer may send the student back to school at no cost.

Following the presentation, surveys were distributed to employers, seeking input on what skills are most needed and what positions are or may become available. Attendees were also treated to a tour of the campus. For more information on programs offered by Columbus Technical College and how to apply and/or register for classes, visit columbustech.edu. Registration for summer term starts April 1^st!