At Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, we’re proud to facilitate partnerships between prospective industries, existing industries and education partners. These collaborations are integral to accelerating the workforce pipeline within our community and driving sustainable economic development.
The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) celebrated a huge win within the Bibb County School District at the August Board Meeting. In June, the district was awarded the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Designation.
The EDP Designation is a district-wide certification process that reinforces the partnerships between the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs and local and state partnerships. Only 10 school districts in Georgia are invited to apply for this prestigious certification. After three rounds of interviews and multiple document submissions, the Bibb County School District was awarded the honor.
Dr. Cassandra Washington, who serves as the Executive Director of CTAE at W. S. Hutchings College and Career Academy and proud Board Member of the MBCIA said that the Designation is a well-earned honor on behalf of the Bibb County School District, who works hard to empower the younger generation by enhancing the workforce pipeline between local students and industries.
“The EDP process represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between our state, the Bibb County School District, Central Georgia Technical College (post-secondary partners), the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the City of Macon-Bibb County,” she said. “These partnerships allow us to develop a robust pipeline of workforce-ready students from the Bibb County School District, ensuring they graduate high school with “stackable credentials” that lead to meaningful employment opportunities. This collaborative approach will allow us to become an economically stronger community – a true win-win that will pay dividends for years to come.”
The W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy, which Dr, Washington oversees, partners with local industries to teach high schoolers career-relevant skills, thus creating a local workforce development pipeline. A prime example of the program’s successes is the story of the Royal Brothers and Coca-Cola Bottling Company, UNITED (CCBCU). Their story is a beacon of inspiration to other young people living in the community, and a testament to the strong collaboration between Bibb County Schools and local industries through the Pathways Program.
By providing students with real-world training and mentorship, Pathways ensures they are equipped with the skills needed for sustainable employment in in-demand fields. The Royal Brothers’ journey with the Pathways Program illustrates the great impact of industry and education partnerships. The Royal Brothers’ stories highlight the transformative potential when local industries collaborate with educational institutions.
Tyson Royal was connected to Dr. Washington and the College and Career Academy through his college football coach, leading to an introduction to CCBCU shortly after. As he grew in his role, he advanced within the company and ultimately became a Merchandiser.
“I make sure that Coca-Cola products remain stocked in stores for our customers, and this is a role I take pride in,” Tyson said.
Eddie Cummins, the Plant Manager at the Macon-Bibb CCBCU plant, spoke highly of Tyson, stating that he embodied the values of the company with his dedication, hard work and team spirit.
Cummins elaborated on the partnership with the College and Career Academy by stating, “We at Coca-Cola Bottling Company United are thrilled to partner with Dr. Washington and the Hutchings College and Career Academy to develop a curriculum that equips students with real-world skills in industrial warehouse applications. This program not only helps students attain their high school diplomas but also provides them with the hands-on experience needed to enter the workforce immediately. By fostering these valuable skillsets, we aim to ensure community stability and empower young people to make a positive impact on the local economy from the moment they graduate.”
Soon, Rashad Royal began working at CCBCU as a trainer and order builder. He says that seeing his coworkers succeed is one of the best parts of his job.
With the encouragement of his brothers, Savon Royal applied to CCBCU and was hired in the warehouse. He currently works as a merchandiser and says that his greatest advice to young students on career success is, “Work hard, strive to be great and seize every opportunity that comes your way.
“The collaboration between Coca-Cola Bottling Company, UNITED, Bibb County School District, and the W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy has significantly influenced our curriculum at Hutchings, inspiring the beginning of the Pathway Programs,” Dr. Washington said. “The Pathway Program is designed to help students become career-ready by providing them with hands-on training and industry exposure.”
“Career readiness is about equipping students with skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to succeed in the workforce,” Dr. Washington continued.
Eleyce Coleman, Existing Industry Manager at MBCIA, testified to the greatness of the current workforce pipeline.
“The success of the Royal Brothers has been a game changer, inspiring many young people in our community to seek local career opportunities,” she said. “MBCIA supports our local industries to enhance our community by partnering with several initiatives to promote industry engagement and career development.”
Not only are education and industry collaborations an asset to the students living in Macon-Bibb County, but these collaborations are also a great asset to the industries within our community as well as prospective industries that are considering making a home in Macon.
Bibb County Schools, alongside Dr. Washington’s work at the W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy, seeks to equip the rising workforce in Macon-Bibb County with the skills they need to succeed within these industries as a way of giving back to those who have bettered our community.
Macon-Bibb Industries have a significantly positive impact on students and therefore our community. Our goal is to build a workforce pipeline for our community by promoting these industry and education partnerships. These can change our community for the better by empowering our younger generation.
To learn more about how you or your company can get involved in workforce collaborations, or if you have specific questions, contact Eleyce Coleman, Existing Industry Manager at MBCIA, at ecoleman@mbcia.com.
