Fitzgerald, GA – Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is proud to highlight its ongoing partnership with MANA Nutrition in Fitzgerald, Georgia, through its Automation Technology and Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program. This collaboration is providing high-quality, hands-on training to workers who are helping power one of South Georgia’s most impactful manufacturers.
Through the apprenticeship program, MANA employees receive specialized instruction from Wiregrass instructors while gaining real-world experience in the facility. Several apprentices have already completed the program and advanced into high-paying technical careers, while a new group of apprentices has recently begun their journey.
"We're proud of the success we've had with Wiregrass's apprenticeship program," said Stephen Raney, Human Resources Director for MANA Nutrition. “Wiregrass has been an outstanding partner, helping us develop the skills we need right here in our facility while giving our employees growth opportunities. Programs like this are essential to keeping Georgia's manufacturing workforce strong." Raney is a graduate of Wiregrass Tech.
The apprenticeship program blends classroom instruction with on-the-job learning and allows companies like MANA to build a stronger, more sustainable pipeline of skilled technicians. For the apprentices, it means the opportunity to earn a paycheck while learning and to enter a high-demand, high-wage career without incurring college debt.
One current apprentice, Montgomery Dykes, shared his experience, “This program gave me the exact opportunity I was looking for. I always knew I wanted to work in the mechatronics and engineering fields. I got started right after high school, and seven months later I’m doing what I love, earning a great paycheck, and learning something new every day. It’s the best decision I ever made.” Dykes participated in Wiregrass’ Dual Enrollment program while in high school and is now attending the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus of Wiregrass and is enrolled in the Mechatronics Technology Associate of Applied Science program.
“Workforce partnerships like this are at the heart of our mission,” said Michael Williams, Executive Vice President at Wiregrass. “We’re thrilled to see companies like MANA investing in their people and in the future of South Georgia’s economy.” Wiregrass has recently hired a new Apprenticeship Coordinator, Bill Meli.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, visit www.wiregrass.edu or contact bill.meli@wiregrass.edu.
