PEACH COUNTY, Ga. — All summer, Peach County Schools have been preparing to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
This effort includes the launch of a new program aimed at giving students a head start on their careers.
At Peach County High School, educators are integrating technical and occupational skills with academic excellence.
Joseph Hinson works as the school's Work Based Learning Coordinator and the supervisor of the Workforce Development Center. He said they are debuting the new Workforce Development Center this year.
The district is partnering with Central Georgia Technical College and local government to help. The center will offer courses in welding, cosmetology and early childhood education as part of the district's Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program.
"Our community thrives on industry, and those industries need skilled workers," Hinson said.
He said the courses are designed to meet the needs of local and incoming industries.
Hinson stressed the urgency of the initiative, and said the courses align with students' interests and expedite their entry into the workforce.
"The world's moving at a faster pace," he said. "I think these students are more than capable of jumping in and getting involved in these careers much earlier."
Hines said the students only need a genuine passion for the subjects.
"There's something for everybody, and it's just a matter of taking the time to investigate, to research, to see those offerings and to give some things a chance," Hinson added.
Additionally, the school is introducing a new graphics design course to its curriculum.