CEDARTOWN, Ga. –– The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), a program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech, has successfully completed the Project Purpose — Justice-Impacted to Manufacturing Pathway pilot program, which prepares non-violent offenders for in-demand careers in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing in Northwest Georgia.
GaMEP, in partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Development Authority of Polk County, Hope Home and iWORKS Northwest Georgia, launched the program in the spring of this year after receiving a $50,000 Scaling What Works Grant from the BlueForge Alliance. Over a 13-week period, participants received hybrid training in lean manufacturing, math fundamentals, safety, technology and other essential industry skills.
GaMEP Northwest Georgia Region Manager and iWORKS Northwest Georgia Co-Chairman John Zegers spearheaded the program after recognizing a growing need for skilled workers in his region.
“These industries are a great fit for justice-impacted individuals because the required skills can be learned,” said Zegers. “Participants just need the motivation and willingness to take advantage of a great opportunity.”
Eight individuals participated in the program, earning certificates after passing separate modules, and three completed the entire program, graduating with a Certified Manufacturing Associate certificate. One participant,William, said he didn’t believe he had much of a future before he joined the program.
“I thought that this was my future, coming in and out of jail, but this program has shown me that I can do anything I set my mind to do,” said William. “Now I feel like I can go out and the sky’s the limit because of this experience.”
Another participant, Benjamin, said he realized he could pursue a career in an industry he had never considered.
“I never really put much thought into manufacturing. I just got whatever job I could get,” said Benjamin. “This class has really brightened my look on life.”
In addition to technical skills, the program helped participants gain something a little harder to measure, but just as important — confidence and hope. Polk County Sheriff’s Office Offender Services Coordinator Lydia Goodson said that programs like this help break barriers, giving participants a chance to rewrite their stories.
“Returning citizens are more than their circumstances,” said Goodson. “When you give individuals opportunities to put in the work to change their lives and interact with people who support them, it gives them confidence, especially to speak with people they may have shied away from before.”
As part of the training, participants also met local manufacturers and received help building their employment files while employers learned best practices for hiring and supporting second-chance workers. Suhner USA President David Cieslica, who participated in the program, said the advantages extend to both sides.
“These individuals really are trying to make a difference,” said Cieslica. “They want to redirect their lives, and they need a chance. This program helps them start off with the basic knowledge and skill set to catapult themselves into the job force.”
But the program doesn’t just benefit participants and employers, it strengthens communities as well.
“This program benefits the entire community by filling important jobs and reducing recidivism rates,” said Zegers. “It’s been really exciting to work on this program; we really want to see success for the participants, for the manufacturers that hire them and for the overall community.”
Building on the success of the pilot, Zegers looks forward to expanding the program to additional counties, engaging local manufacturers and providing incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals with the resources and skills for successful careers in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing.
For more information or questions about Project Purpose — Justice-Impacted to Manufacturing Pathway, email GaMEP Northwest Georgia Region Manager John Zegers at john.zegers@innovate.gatech.edu.