North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) is a longstanding institution within the Technical College System of Georgia. With over 80 years of history, NGTC continues to evolve, offering innovative programs and partnerships to meet the dynamic needs of the local economy and industry.
Our team at Industrial Properties Group recently had the pleasure of hearing a presentation from Leslie McFarlin, Vice President of Economic Development at North Georgia Technical College. Leslie shared with us how their institution operates, the programs they offer, and how they are supporting economic development in our region.
As the first technical college in Georgia, NGTC has established a strong legacy of education and collaboration. The college operates within a robust network of 22 technical colleges across the state, ensuring that every Georgian is within 30 minutes of a campus.
Dual Approach To Training
These programs offer college credit and span from short certificate courses to one semester programs to associate degrees. “We have many transferable courses, especially in our Academic Programs, that can be transferred to the University System of Georgia and other universities… We’ve even had people transfer to Yale and Harvard,” shared McFarlin. NGTC Academic Programs are designed to be flexible and ensure that students are well-prepared to continue their education or to enter the workforce directly.
These short-term, industry-driven, non-credit certificate programs are tailored to the specific needs of local businesses. NGTC collaborates closely with companies to design customized training programs that address skills gaps, employment pipelines, and new technological requirements. McFarlin noted “we work very closely with businesses to develop a curriculum that specifically meets their needs. For example, if they don’t have equipment available during work hours, we can train their employees at our facilities using our instructors. We are very nimble in what we can create and provide for business and industry.” This nimbleness allows the college to quickly respond to industry needs, providing upskilling and onboarding training using their state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
Employment and Training Pipeline
NGTC often serves as an alternative pipeline for businesses looking to locate to Georgia. The well-known Georgia QuickStart program is one of the major recruiting tools and resources for new companies looking to plant roots in Georgia. However, not every business qualifies for QuickStart due to the number of employees, the size of the project, or the industry they’re in. Similar services are an integral part of the Technical College System of Georgia. “Every technical college is available at some level to create an onboarding or training pipeline for businesses looking to locate here. We offer services for expansions, relocations, or companies adding a new product line,” said McFarlin. “For the technical system, the way we position ourselves is that we can train your employees while your facility is being built, but for existing businesses or once those new businesses are settled, we can also support you in any employment or training challenges you may be facing.”
Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development Programs
NGTC’s strategic partnerships and Economic Development programs enhance its ability to serve both students and businesses. Several industries are participating in NGTC’s Leadership Excellence and Development Program (LEAD) – from first-time managers to senior leadership. In partnership with WorkSource Georgia Mountains, the program supports businesses by training leadership at all levels. Course competencies include problem solving, communication for results, emotional intelligence, continuous improvement, performance management, safety focus, and leading meetings.
The college also launched its Quality Control Technician Apprenticeship program in March 2024. This USDOL Registered apprenticeship program is a two-year Quality Assurance program combining on-the-job learning, mentorship by internal experts, and focused technical education.
Another notable partnership is with the Georgia Department of Corrections and WorkSource Georgia Mountains at the Lee Arrendale Hill Transition Center. As a workforce readiness program, NGTC partners with businesses to create an employment pipeline and train women who are within 6 to 18 months of being released. “We train at our campuses, so employers don’t have to facilitate onsite. When these ladies are released, they are equipped for immediate employment and have the skills necessary to be successful employees,” stated McFarlin. “We recently celebrated 10 students who completed an extensive 10-week welding training course at our Clarkesville campus.” These students earned a nationally recognized certification from the American Welding Society and were able to exit the program with viable employment opportunities.
Community and Adult Education
NGTC extends its educational reach to the broader community. “We offer a lot of what we think of as “education to the community,” including summits, panels, and speaker series aimed at fostering community engagement and continuous learning.” The college also offers Adult Education programs, including workplace literacy, high school equivalency, and English as a second language. McFarlin informed us that the college also goes “on-site for companies who have a high percentage of employees that are non-native English speakers to work on things such as workplace vocabulary and ensure their employees better understand safety and processes.”
Funding and Accessibility
An important role of the technical colleges in Georgia is to connect companies to funding sources. Their goal is to ensure their programs are offered affordably or at no cost to employers. For example, WorkSource Georgia Mountains, part of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, offers funding in the 12 counties it serves and is a major resource for those working with NGTC. “We work together with the company to talk about their needs, new product lines, or what skills they need. Then we work with WorkSource to see what the business may quality for,” McFarlin said.
Another funding opportunity is for companies willing to participate in second chance hiring. “There’s a lot of funding available for training people who are justice involved. For employers who may consider this an option, there is funding inside the Georgia Department of Corrections or Georgia Department of Community Supervision.” There are also funding sources available for apprenticeship opportunities. If companies bring in an apprentice to learn from their technicians or otherwise, there may be funding available for the apprentice’s wages.
Overall, McFarlin shared “it’s very likely” that businesses will be able to secure funding for programs. “While each project is a little different, we like to be at the table if we can. When companies are moving or expanding, we understand the delicate nature of that process and our goal is to be a resource they can trust. Whether their need is to recruit our students or to work with us on customized training programs, we can be part of the planning and also look for funding sources.” NGTC and the Technical College System of Georgia’s comprehensive approach to Economic Development ensures companies can develop their workforce effectively without financial barriers, making training initiatives accessible and affordable.
Key Industry Trends
McFarlin noted the college has observed a few industries as being particularly active in the region: industrial maintenance, welding, and leadership.
NGTC is heavily involved in the industrial maintenance industry including electrical, hydraulics, and pneumatics. The college often sees training requests for welding and fabrication and repair. To support this demand, NGTC has the largest welding training facility under one roof in the state with 100 welding bays. They also have a newer building which houses one of the largest precision machining programs in the state.
North Georgia Technical College exists as a vital educational and economic development resource, dedicated to fostering career readiness and industry growth. Through its dual training approach, strategic partnerships, and community-focused programs, NGTC continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region’s workforce.
For more information on North Georgia Technical College’s offerings, visit northgatech.edu
Or contact Leslie McFarlin leslie.mcfarlin@northgatech.edu / (706) 754-7820
