WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — As missions transition at Robins Air Force Base, more than 800 new jobs are opening up. Base leaders are looking to replace retiring workers while also opening some entirely new positions.
"The other good part of that is when they tread out, now we can start tapping into the next generation, " Col. Christopher Dunlap shared with Houston County business leaders two weeks ago at State of the Base.
Several other leaders shared that they rely on schools and businesses to train these workers and help provide entertainment for them to enjoy the city.
Part of that next generation of employees is getting training at Central Georgia Technical College.
"We have 19 academic programs that all align with the missions of Robins Air Force Base," Dean of Aerospace, Training and Industry Mike Pace said.
From High School to college level, Mike Pace says they offer in-demand courses.
"Automated manufacturing and robotics, engineering technology, precision machining and welding," he said.
They have several aerospace options as well. This year, commencement is May 3 at the Atrium Health Amphitheater. On average, they say after graduating, 95% of these students are placed in their studied career path.
"Our region and local industry partners are the reason we're here, to build that pipeline of trained, qualified, motivated employees," Pace said.
Base leaders say it helps to give their incoming or traveling employees entertainment options.
"Your best salesperson for the community is the people that live there. We want people to love living in Middle Georgia and Warner Robins specifically," Gracie Preston Rigby shared.
Sitting off Highway 96, you'll find Rigby's Entertainment Center and Water World, the Best Western Hotel and more.
"We are a great facilitator to bring people to the area and showing them, why it's a great place to live and a great place to get some fun," Rigby shared.
She says they're offering military and veteran discounts, and the hotel offers group rates.
"We are able to offer extended stays for when people move here, when people are working on base or they're coming here for new missions like they did last year with the 950th," she said.
They are also able to provide fun space for team-building events. She says they are always working to grow and have more fun on the way.
"Currently we're adding on a new pool to our Water World. It's an Olympic-sized pool. It will have diving boards, a rock climbing wall, and lily pads for younger kids to play on," she said.
Plus they will soon have new places for people to stay. They hope to have a total of five hotels on the property in the future.
"We've also got the plans submitted for a brand new hotel, so that should be in the works here soon. That will add over 100 rooms to this side of town and also a new rooftop venue," she said.
Rigby's is hosting a Crab and Margarita festival, this Saturday April 27 at the water park. The event is from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are free to kids 10 and under and $10 for everyone else.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate.
The base hiring event is Tuesday, April 30th at the Museum of Aviation. You can find a detailed guide for what to expect here.