Ocilla, GA – Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Dual Enrollment student, Keaton Cowan, has signed an apprenticeship agreement with Bill Daniels Welding in Ocilla. Keaton is a junior and a Work Based Learning student at Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy (FHSCCA). He and his parents have chosen the Accelerated Career Diploma path through his Dual Enrollment at Wiregrass. The Accelerated Career Diploma, formerly known as Option B, offers qualified students an alternate path to high school graduation. Additionally, Wiregrass’ U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program offers Keaton the opportunity to combine his classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training at Bill Daniels Welding. The apprenticeship is the first of its kind for the college with an Accelerated Career Diploma path student . This was made possible thanks to the partnership with the Georgia Charter System Foundation, FHSCCA and Wiregrass Tech. Dr. Shawn Utley is a member of the Career Development Team with the Charter System Foundation and is working to help find more apprenticeships for local Accelerated Career Diploma Dual Enrollment students.

Keaton will graduate next year from FHSCCA and Wiregrass with a Welding and Joining Diploma through the Accelerated Career Diploma program. His parents are Allisha and Barrett Parr and Grant Cowan of Fitzgerald.

“This is a great opportunity for our Dual Enrollment students who are seeking a different pathway in high school and have gifts and talents like Keaton in the field of welding,” shared Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. “Wiregrass also feels that this was made possible thanks to the collaboration with FHSCCA and the FHSCCA Work Based Learning Program, Georgia Charter System Foundation, Wiregrass’ Dual Enrollment and Apprenticeship Programs, and Bill Daniels, owner of Bill Daniels Welding.”

FHSCCA Work Based Learning Coordinator Sheri Brown shared, “Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy is thrilled to have Keaton in the apprenticeship program through our partnership with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Not only is Keaton learning through the traditional classroom, but now he is able to get more hands-on experience while working with Bill Daniels Welding. We appreciate the support from local businesses and their willingness to bring in students to teach them not only those hard skills but also assist them with the employability skills. There is no doubt this opens the door for students to benefit from these partnerships.”

Keaton added that he feels this opportunity is a blessing because it allows him to do what he likes while learning the value of having strong work ethics as well as taking what he’s learning in the classroom and applying it to real-world projects. Bill Daniels, owner of Bill Daniels Welding shared, “I see a lot of talent in Keaton, he has a strong desire to learn and put his education from the classroom to practice. He has already been a great asset to our business and we are enjoying watching him grow as a young man in this field and in life.”

Wiregrass is proud to have partnerships with more than 30 local businesses that can accept apprentices for open employment opportunities. Currently, the college has 34 active student apprentices. Additionally, 27 students have completed their Registered Apprenticeship program and received a national certificate of completion. This program has proven to benefit businesses and industries in recruiting, training, and retaining highly skilled workers. Partnering with the college in hiring students through the apprenticeship program has also shown a reduction in turnover costs, a higher productivity rate, and a more diverse workforce.

If your business would like to learn more about the apprenticeship program, please contact Nicole West. She can be reached at nicole.west@wiregrass.edu or by calling 229-333-2100 ext. 4837. Wiregrass is accepting new students for Summer and Fall Semester; Summer classes start on May 15 and August 15 for Fall classes. To apply, visit any campus or apply online at www.wiregrass.edu.

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Image: (WGTC Collaborative Apprenticeship.jpg) Pictured seated l-r Bill Daniels, owner of Bill Daniels Welding of Ocilla; FHSCCA, Work Based Learning and Dual Enrollment student Keaton Cowan, and DeAnnia Clements, Wiregrass President. Standing l-r Angel Kelly, FHSCCA Work Ready Option B Coordinator; Kristy Henderson, FHSCCA Director of Dual Enrollment and CTAE; Payton Dix, FHSCCA Assistant CEO, and CTAE Instructional Coach; Sherri Brown, FHSCCA Work Based Learning Coordinator; Lisa Cox, Wiregrass Assistant Director of High School Services; and Nicole West, Wiregrass Executive Director for Departmental Affairs. Back Row Terry Johnson, Wiregrass Welding Instructor