Rural Development Partners (RDP) and NMTC Partner Momeni & Sons awarded a $70,000 matching funds grant to boost workforce development initiatives in Bartow and Gordon counties in Georgia. Regional economic development authorities have given great support as the counties work together to help employees reach their full potential and to spur economic development through a well-trained workforce that they hope will draw new Employers to the region.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) utilized the grant to purchase equipment and provide program funding in support of a Basic Mechatronics Academy at the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton (GA). The program will train and equip residents for hard-to-fill, high-demand positions at local manufacturing facilities that rely heavily on multi-craft technicians skilled at keeping automated equipment running. The jobs will provide a good quality wage for regional workers and a successful career path for those who complete the Program. A portion of grant funding will provide tuition assistance for low-income students pursuing the Academy.
Basic Mechatronics Academy
Basic Mechatronics Academy is a year-round course running the entire academic year (August to July). The Academy offers a two-level structure with courses catering to most any skill level from virtually no experience to an intermediate skillset.
The FIRST LEVEL is designed to produce well-grounded operators with the ability to work on large-scale systems and responsibly maintain an efficient operation with minimal downtime. Students will learn to localize and identify the cause and source of malfunctions, perform routine preventive maintenance, and intelligently use system documentation. Graduates will be functional team members observing and adhering to company safety rules and guidelines. The First Level offers 5 Courses:
- Course 1 – Electric Components
- Course 2 – Mechanical Components & Electrical Drives
- Course 3 – (Electro) Pneumatic and Hydraulic Circuits
- Course 4/5 – Digital Fundamentals and Programmable Logic Controllers; Siemens/Allen Bradley
The SECOND LEVEL builds on the First Level. Students will utilize troubleshooting techniques to identify potential problems and then systematically and intelligently make repairs. Graduates will be able to perform Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and communications, interpret PLC/microcontroller and mechanical values, and apply the knowledge of project management principles. Six courses are offered in the second level:
- Course 1 – Process Control Technologies
- Course 2 – Introduction to Totally Integrated Automation
- Course 3 – Automation Systems
- Course 4 – Motor Controls
- Course 5 – Mechanics and Machine Elements
- Course 6 – Manufacturing Processes
RDP’s Community Investment Program
Creating quality jobs is an important impact of an NMTC investment, but sometimes creating jobs is not enough. RDP’s Community Investment Program (CIP) is designed to create workforce development opportunities by bringing together community leaders, local government, educational institutions, business leaders, and others to collaborate best use of private grant funding provided by RDP and their NMTC partner. The CIP MISSION is to benefit low-income residents and solidify positive impacts that are meaningful to the local community.
Momeni and Sons, Inc.
Momeni and Sons, Inc. is a manufacturer of fine Persian rugs with 50 years of experience and a new generation of creative leaders ready to deliver meaningful designs, high-quality construction, and innovative techniques and trends. In 2022, Momeni & Sons partnered with RDP to bring a new distribution center to Adairsville, Georgia, bringing new jobs and economic development to a rural underserved region ready for opportunity.
Rural Development Partners
Rural Development Partners utilizes the New Markets Tax Credit Program (NMTC) to help organizations throughout the nation relocate and expand operations in underserved rural communities. RDP investments help create jobs, economic growth, training opportunities, and food security for rural America by partnering with organizations that take action to invest in and support their local communities. Learn more about Rural Development Partners and the NMTC program by visiting our website or social media platforms at FaceBook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
