Albany, Georgia — A new internship program launched through Georgia AIM and the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) is helping students in Southwest Georgia gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
Through this initiative, Albany Technical College (ATC) has partnered with seven regional manufacturers, including Georgia-Pacific Corrugated, Amadas Industries, Tara Foods, and the Marine Corps Logistics Base, to provide paid internships for students in the college’s Mechatronics and Industrial Systems Technology programs. Since the program began earlier this year, 15 students have participated, earning valuable experience in automation, industrial maintenance, and systems operations.
A highlight of the effort is the new industrial maintenance internship agreement between Albany Technical College and Georgia-Pacific Corrugated, formally signed Oct. 2. The partnership allows students to work full-time at GP’s Albany plant, earning more than $22 per hour while applying classroom learning to real-world industrial challenges.
“We are very excited about this new collaboration with GP,” said Judy Jimmerson, associate vice president of career services at Albany Technical College. “This is an opportunity for students to contribute not only to our local community’s workforce but to also support the state of Georgia’s mission to increase its number of manufacturing industries and provide the workforce talent needed to sustain them.”
Local manufacturer Georgia Pacific agreed the program was a win-win for both students and employers.
“At Georgia-Pacific, we believe in creating virtuous cycles of mutual benefit,” said George Houston, HR business partner at Georgia-Pacific Corrugated in Albany. “This partnership allows us to strengthen our local workforce while providing students with the real-world skills and experiences needed to self-actualize in high-demand careers. It’s a win for our community, our company, and most importantly, the students who are building the future of advanced manufacturing.”
The program is already showing early success. Two interns have been hired by their host manufacturers, and two others have accepted full-time roles with other companies after completing their placements. One participant, part of a second-chance workforce development initiative, has also benefited from the program’s inclusive approach to career access.
This internship program represents a major step toward Georgia AIM’s and SWGRC’s shared goal of expanding manufacturing workforce opportunities in rural Georgia. By connecting technical education with industry demand, the partnership is helping to ensure that Southwest Georgia’s manufacturing sector continues to grow, while supported by a skilled, locally rooted workforce.