On Tuesday, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority hosted an Industry Day for about 30 counselors and principals from the Bibb County School District’s middle and high schools. During this full-day event, participants toured numerous industries to learn about the opportunities available to students after graduation.

“Today was about continuing to build relationships between industries and their future employees,” said Robby Fountain, Chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. “Industries provide tremendous value to Macon-Bibb County, and we showcased that value to our educators today.”

Regardless of a student’s career goals, the W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy’s primary objective is for students to be college and career ready upon graduation. Educating counselors and principals gives them the information and tools necessary to direct students in the best way possible.

“Building a relationship with industries allows students to gain real-world experience in a career they are interested in before high school graduation,” stated Dr. Cassandra Miller-Washington, CEO of the W.S. Hutchings College, and Career Academy. “Educators are familiar with higher-education options for students, but events like today showcase careers that are available to students now and allow us to identify and develop future pathway opportunities.”

Industries like Coca-Cola, GEICO, and Perdue work with the College and Career Academy to provide students the ability to build skill sets that match the real-world opportunities available to them. The College and Career Academy has numerous pathways that relate to industry careers including aircraft, automotive, culinary arts, engineering, warehouse and distribution, and welding.

“We are grateful for the work of Dr. Washington and the W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy,” said Fountain. “We have witnessed first-hand how the utilization of pathways benefit our industrial partners, their future workforce and our community as a whole.”