Katlyn Griffith signs her Letter of Intent to study Business Technology as GNTC instructors (from left) Leyner Argueta, director and instructor of Business Management; Regina Casteel, instructor of Business Management; and Lisa Hunt, director of Business Healthcare Technology, look on.
Allison Patnode, dean of Nursing and Health Technologies at GNTC (left), watches as Ja’mia Rockella Flemister dons a GNTC hat after signing her Letter of Intent to study nursing.
Bill Finn, NC3’s senior program manager for its partnerships with the Greenlee & RIDGID Brands, congratulates GNTC on being named an NC3 Leadership School.
Eight northwest Georgia high school students committed to pursuing a technical education during a signing event hosted by Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
This year marks GNTC’s first time participating in the National Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day, which was held last Thursday at the Gordon County Campus in Calhoun.
During National Signing Day, 79 participating National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) Leadership Schools across the nation hosted high school students, parents, educators, industry partners, potential employers and others to watch students sign their letters of commitment to pursue a technical education at the college of their choice after they finish high school.
GNTC also live-streamed the event.
“I’ve seen the difference technical education has made in people’s lives and witnessed firsthand the way technical education raises the standard of living here in northwest Georgia,” said Randall Fox, GNTC alumnus, president of Fox Systems Inc. and a state board member of the Technical College System of Georgia, in his closing remarks. “This is why it’s so important for us to continue to strive for excellence in the technical college system not just here, but also across the state and country.”
Mr. Fox told signees that the Letter of Intent “is a symbol of your passion for learning. It’s evidence of your determination to pursue a career and make a difference in your chosen field and our community. You being here represents your willingness to spend countless hours working, studying and honing your skills. You will have to make sacrifices along the way, but today I congratulate each of you for making this commitment.”
“In fall 2023, GNTC was named Georgia’s first NC3 Leadership School,” Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, GNTC’s vice president of Academic Affairs, said. “Being able to participate in this national event is an exclusive membership benefit available to NC3 Leadership Schools, and GNTC is honored to be a part of this experience.”
Guest speakers were Bill Finn, NC3’s senior program manager for its partnerships with the Greenlee & RIDGID Brands, and Jim Walpert, industrial account manager for Snap-on Inc.
Mr. Finn told signees, “This (NC3 Leadership School) designation really signifies GNTC’s commitment to excellence, technical education and the dedication to preparing you all for successful careers.”
He also reminded signees that their commitment to GNTC will be matched by GNTC’s commitment to them as they begin their technical education.
“I am on most of GNTC’s campuses every week, and I can promise you that the facilities are unrivaled, the instructors are all top-notch and the programs are top-notch, too,” Mr. Walpert said.
Officials said, "NC3’s mission is to train and educate future skilled workers for productive careers. NC3 certifications can be used across various CTE program areas including aviation, construction science and energy efficiency, digital literacy, health and safety, horticulture, manufacturing, transportation and welding. NC3 certifications also include STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs."
Certiport, Copeland, Daniels Manufacturing Corporation, Dremel, Festo, Greenlee, Kubota Tractor Corp., Lincoln Electric, Palmer Hamilton, RIDGID, Snap-on Inc., L.S. Starrett Co., Swift, 3M, Thermo King, Tormach and Trane are global industry partners partnering with NC3. The organization also partners with the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Association of Workforce Boards and SkillsUSA.
Mr. Walpert said Snap-on was one of NC3’s original partners. GNTC was the first school in Georgia to offer Greenlee and RIDGID certifications, Mr. Finn said.
Listed below are the signees including the students’ names, high schools and intended programs of study:
Automotive Technology
Brayden Davis, Adairsville High School
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Ryan White, Villa Rica High School
Business Technology
Katlyn Griffith, Sonoraville High School
Cybersecurity Technology
Richard Ayden Cargle, Chattooga High School
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Janelle Yanuri Lopez, Sonoraville High School
Electrical Technician
Yahir Suarez, Gordon Central High School
Nursing
Ja’mia Rockella Flemister, Cedartown High School
Welding and Joining Technology
Kyra Leighann Fredrick, Phoenix High School
Dr. Anderson said that approximately 13 GNTC faculty members have a combined total of 165 NC3 certifications, and the college has issued more than 800 NC3 credentials to students.
“Technical education unlocks endless possibilities and paves the way for a brighter future,” Dr. Anderson said.