Following a $6.5 million investment from the State of Georgia into renovation and new instructional equipment on the Milledgeville campus of Central Georgia Technical College, the College’s Aerospace, Trade and Industry Division is launching its new Electric Vehicle (EV) Automotive and Mechatronics programs.
Nestled between interstate corridors of I-75 and I-20, Baldwin County, and its surrounding communities are primed to be the next hub of education and training for hybrid and electric vehicles.
“This central and vital city to the growing economy of Georgia is home to immense pride for the state, hardworking people, and outstanding communities,” said Mike Pace, dean for Aerospace, Trade and Industry at CGTC. “What is ahead for the region is innovation in automation, manufacturing, and the future of electric vehicle technicians, all making a positive mark on Georgia’s workforce development.”
The renovated space on campus will house Industrial Mechatronics and Advanced Manufacturing, Electric Vehicle Service Technician, and Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Technician programs. The facilities are state-of- the-art and designed to prioritize hands-on learning and student engagement.
According to a recent study from the National Association of State Energy Officials, the advancement of the EV industry in the southeastern United States from vehicle and battery manufacturing to on-road EVs and accelerated deployment of charging stations, means there is a, “substantial need for a skilled workforce to build and service these vehicles as well as install and maintain charging infrastructure.”
Mechatronics supports manufacturing in a variety of areas as a multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and develop integrated systems.
“The college maintains a listening ear to industry growth and development, and with manufacturers recognizing Georgia’s position as a premier state in which to do business, our goal is to equip more people with globally competitive skills,” Pace added.
Both programs are open for enrollment beginning in Fall 2025.
To get started at CGTC, visit centralgatech.edu to apply. — Contributed