Gov. Kemp Tours Georgia Piedmont Technology College, Highlighting Johnson Controls Investments in Local Skilled Trades Programs
MILWAUKEE, May 9, 2024 – Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today toured Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s (GPTC) Clarkston campus with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp to demonstrate the investments made in the school’s technical training programs and to dedicate state-of-the-art learning spaces. GPTC is a recipient of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, which directly addresses the need for skilled trade technicians in the building technology industry, a growing necessity for Georgia and across the country. This visit emphasizes the governor's commitment to cultivating a highly skilled workforce and supporting the state's economic growth in the building technology sector.
“As Georgia continues to enjoy historic job creation, we’re grateful for all our private sector partners who are helping us meet the workforce needs that come with this exciting growth,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I want to thank Johnson Controls for investing in one of our great technical colleges and the leadership of both the Technical College System of Georgia and Georgia Piedmont Technical College who are putting these funds to good use through a state-of-the-art facility and hands-on training programs that will help us grow our workforce in a critical area.”
Launched in 2021, the $15 million Community College Partnership Program aims to expand access to skilled trade education and bring new talent into the world of advanced and AI-driven building technology. GPTC is one of 30 participating schools and has received almost $300,000 in funding over the past three years. This funding has been used to provide scholarships to the School of Industrial Technologies, improve the Building Automation Systems (BAS) program with modern lab equipment and enhance the college’s commercial refrigeration and welding education. Johnson Controls employees work with participating colleges to offer students real-world experience, internship opportunities and professional networking connections.
“Johnson Controls has been an integral part of the Georgia community for more than a century, working with organizations on solutions that positively impact the lives of residents every day,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “Our team takes great pride in their work and the positive influence they have on the community. We are dedicated to innovation, education, and creating new career paths to address industry needs and invest in Georgia's future.”
Due to heightened retirements and job changes following the pandemic, there is a shortage of skilled trade workers to fill vacancies in the building technology industry. The ongoing shortage poses challenges for businesses and communities that rely on skilled service technicians to maintain HVAC, security and fire systems and increase their building’s efficiency, safety and indoor air quality.
“The skilled trade worker shortage presents an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of individuals who are looking for hands-on, high-reward technical careers,” said Tavarez Holston, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. “We’re grateful for Johnson Controls investments in our programs as we work to prepare our students for their success in the field and close the skilled trade gaps in our region.”
One recipient of this commitment to education and workforce development is 29-year-old Justin Hawkins of Atlanta. Hawkins works at the energy plant at Georgia’s capitol building and surrounding state government buildings, including the governor’s mansion. He recently served on a team that did a complete HVAC system upgrade at the first family’s residence including a new monitoring system, pumps and valves. Already a graduate of GPTC’s Air Conditioning Technology degree program, he’s scheduled to graduate in May of 2025 with his BAS degree, following hands-on training to install, access, control and monitor connected building systems from a single interface.
“Enrolling in Georgia Piedmont in 2021, I knew I wanted to try something different and more technology-facing than the landscaping work I was used to,” Hawkins said. “I haven’t even finished my second degree with the school and my salary has already more than doubled. The marketable skills I have gained through the programs at GPTC will take me a long way.”
Furthering its commitment to skilled trades education across the state, Johnson Controls also celebrated the opening of the Lincoln Tech East Point Campus to support HVAC, electrical and welding students with the necessary training to enter the workforce. Since 2019, Johnson Controls and Lincoln Tech have worked together to identify, train and hire new talent. The training institute’s expansion to East Point, Georgia opens the door for education and skill development throughout the community.
To learn more about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, visit: Community College Partnership Program | Johnson Controls
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kari B. Pfisterer
Direct: +1 414-217-1488
Email: kari.b.pfisterer@jci.com
Cheryl Myers
Office: 404-297-9522, ext. 1231
Email: myersc@gptc.edu
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About Johnson Controls:
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.
About Georgia Piedmont Technical College:
Established in 1961, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is a student-centered institution that prepares individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. GPTC’s graduation rate for academic year 2022, as reported by the Technical College System of Georgia, was more than 73 percent, and its job placement rate exceeded 95 percent! Georgia Piedmont Tech’s Adult Education program for high school equivalency test preparation and English as a Second Language classes is one of the largest in the state. The College has multiple learning centers in DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties and also specializes in customized business and industry training and workforce development through its Economic Development and Continuing Education division. Learn more at www.gptc.edu.