WorkSource Macon-Bibb (WSMB) is holding the graduation for its E3 | Manufacturing Fundamentals Program on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in Commission Chambers in Government Center (700 Poplar Street). The Ceremony will also be live broadcast on the Middle Georgia Regional Commission Facebook page.

This intensive twelve-week program encompasses a pathway of coordinating education, essential workplace and life skills, and a Work Experience (internship) with a Macon-Bibb manufacturing employer. The ultimate goal is to attain industry-recognized credentials, that meet employers’ need, and to land a job that begins a career in the manufacturing sector.

“Graduation is very important to these students because it represents a major accomplishment for them and a significant step in their growth,” says WSMB Director Terrilyn Hannah. “This program and these certifications make them more competitive in the application process for better positions and higher wages.”

The graduation will feature Gwendolyn Kirkland with E&T Management, WSMB Director Terrilyn Hannah, WSMB Board Chair Jonathan Alderman, Christopher Jackson with Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia Program Manager Dallori Simon-Thomson, Eckerd Connects-Paxen Program Manager Jennifer Giovannini, and Clay Teague from Central Georgia Technical College.

There is a new cohort of program participants currently being enrolled, and they will begin their twelve-week journey in February 19. Applications are due for this cohort by February 8. For information on how to apply, contact Howard Scott at 478-751-6383.

E3 | Manufacturing Fundamentals Program

The E3 | Manufacturing Fundamentals Program provides the opportunity to start a career in a regional, in-demand industry sector. Participants are empowered to overcome various negative life circumstances by upgrading their skills. This intensive twelve-week program encompasses a pathway of coordinating education, essential workplace and life skills, and a Work Experience (internship) with a Macon-Bibb manufacturing employer. The ultimate goal is to attain industry-recognized credentials that meet employers’ needs, and to land a job that begins a career in the manufacturing sector.

WorkSource Macon-Bibb recognizes that the employment opportunities provided to returning citizens, long-term unemployed individuals, or recently laid off workers must lead to them earning wages to sustain them and their families. The program is also intended to assist employers with closing skills gap and reshaping their view of these categories of job seekers. In part this is accomplished by engaging area employers to host plant tours, participate in participant mock interviews, and to serve as a training site for Work Experience.

The program begins with a three-week course at Central Georgia Technical College: Manufacturing Fundamentals. Upon completion, participants attain a National Career Readiness Certificate, CPR/First Aid Certificate, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certificate, Fork Lift Certification, Intro to Lean Six Sigma, and Microsoft Word and Excel Certificates.

During week four of the program, participants receive training in financial management, soft skills, interviewing and resume writing, job readiness and team building, and person wellness. They also have access to a health screening that includes a physical examination for employment. The one-week period ends with a graduation and assignment to their eight-week Work Experience.

The final eight weeks finds program participants in temporary, real world employment. A training plan is developed for each person, and the employer partner supervises the ensure accomplishment of set goals. Participants work full-time hours, subject to the employer’s schedule (may include shifts) and are subject to the same standards required of a new hire. They get to apply the theoretical learning from the first weeks of understanding safety, process, teamwork, and production in a manufacturing environment. While an offer of employment from the work site employer is not guaranteed, they, upon successful completion, give the participant a job reference. And in several instances have extended applications for employment. At the end of this stage, participants have certifications and recent hands-on experience that make them more competitive in the workforce. Participants are equipped with the tools essential to launching a career in manufacturing or related sector.

The original program, formerly E3|Workplace Fundamentals, was developed in 2016 by WorkSource Macon-Bibb’s Workforce Development Board, in partnership with the Macon-Bibb County consolidated government and the Reentry Coalition. It was a four-week program, with a modest number of community partners involved, and did not include the Work Experience opportunity. Today, the twelve-week program has been improved and expanded to include numerous community partners, including area employers, additional training areas at the Technical College course, and an eight-week internship.  

E3|Manufacturing Fundamentals applicants/participants must meet the requirements for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program in Macon-Bibb County (WorkSource Macon-Bibb). Middle Georgia Regional Commission serves as the Fiscal Agent and Program Administrator for the WorkSource Macon-Bibb.