Douglas, GA – Wiregrass Georgia Technical College proudly welcomed industry partners, community leaders, and state officials to its Coffee Campus to celebrate the launch of a cutting-edge Advanced Automation and Mechatronics Program in collaboration with Advanced Manufacturing International (AMI).
This transformative partnership is designed to strengthen South Georgia’s skilled workforce pipeline and support the region’s growing need for advanced manufacturing and smart automation expertise.
“The support and collaboration from AMI and our local leaders demonstrates a shared commitment to preparing our students for the future of manufacturing,” said Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. “This partnership will equip students with the skills and training they need to succeed in high-demand, high-tech careers—and will help strengthen our region’s economic development for years to come.”
AMI President & CEO Joe Veranese shared the organization’s commitment to supporting regional workforce efforts, “Advanced Manufacturing International (AMI) is proud to support Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s launch of an Advanced Automation and Mechatronics Program in South Georgia. We help communities build strong workforce pipelines in digital and smart manufacturing technologies, which are essential to U.S. competitiveness. We’re confident in the success of the college, its partners, and the local manufacturing community.”
Partner with the Southern Group of Georgia and Government Affairs Consultant, Joel Wiggins added, “Few communities work together to collaboratively articulate their workforce needs like Douglas-Coffee County. President Clements showed exceptional vision in seeing a place for AMI in Douglas. From our meetings, it was clear that Wiregrass Technical College featured excellent relationships with employers in the community and a clear understanding of the technology, training, and best practices needed to support their workforce needs. These factors were critical when AMI was selecting partners to pursue a partnership with the state.”
This partnership will further the position of Wiregrass Tech as a leader in workforce development and technical training in the region. Wiregrass extends special thanks to President & CEO, AMI Joe Veranese; The Southern Group of Georgia Joel Wiggins; Douglas-Coffee Economic Development Authority CEO Matt Seale; District 169 State Representative Angie O’Steen, and Senator Carden Summers.
District 169 State Representative Angie O’Steen shared this about this new program enhancement, “When I ran for this House Seat last year, I said that I would do everything within my power in the General Assembly to advocate for my community and the entire district. I am so proud and honored to have been able to work with my colleagues and be a champion on behalf of Wiregrass and Douglas-Coffee County to secure $750,000 from the State for Wiregrass Technical College to pilot this pivotal program in Douglas and show the rest of the State that Douglas-Coffee County leads the way in innovation.”
To learn more about Wiregrass’s Advanced Automation and Mechatronics program, visit Wiregrass.edu. Students can enroll into this program and others during Free Application Week June 9-13 and save money. Fall Semester classes start August 12.
