Date Posted: November 14, 2025
Griffin, GA – November 14, 2025 – Southern Crescent Technical College recently hosted a four-day event series across four of its campuses titled “Future Work: Robotics and Beyond,” designed to introduce eighth-grade students from across the College’s service area to the exciting world of advanced manufacturing, robotics, and technology-driven careers.
The event, envisioned by Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College, brought hundreds of students from Spalding, Upson, Henry, and Butts Counties for a hands-on experience showcasing the College’s state-of-the-art manufacturing programs and labs. Over the four days, more than 230 eighth graders participated in activities that encouraged exploration, creativity, and curiosity about future careers in technical and industrial fields.
Students rotated through a series of interactive stations, including:
- Industry Partner Exhibits, where company representatives showcased real-world manufacturing technologies and career pathways.
- Welding and Robotics/Industrial Systems, offering hands-on demonstrations and guided practice with advanced equipment.
- Drones and HVAC, highlighting the integration of technology, engineering, and problem-solving in modern trades.
The event served as an exciting preview of the College’s future Robotics, Automation, and Advanced Manufacturing Education (RAAME) Center, a cutting-edge facility under construction at the Griffin Campus, opening in Fall 2027.
“These events show what’s possible when education, industry, and community come together,” said Richard Andrews, Vice President of Economic Development. “The RAAME Center represents our commitment to growing Georgia’s workforce and building opportunities across every county we serve.”
Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College, added, “At Southern Crescent, we believe that exposing students early to hands-on experiences in advanced manufacturing and robotics can ignite a lifelong interest in high-demand technical careers. We want to be innovative in how we connect to these middle schoolers. Flyers don’t get them excited—seeing does. Partnerships like these ensure that our students see what’s possible—and that our communities continue to grow through education and innovation.”
Eleen Herbert, Dean of Technical, Industrial, and Film Programs, shared, “The Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, and Automation Career Exploration and Discovery Days give students an early glimpse into the innovation and skill that define today’s technology-driven industries. By connecting them with hands-on experiences and real-world partnerships, we’re inspiring curiosity and confidence while helping to cultivate the next generation of talent that will sustain and strengthen Georgia’s workforce.”
Over the four-day series, SCTC hosted events across Spalding, Upson, Henry, and Butts Counties, each highlighting the College’s diverse technical programs and local industry connections. Students participated in sessions led by SCTC faculty in areas such as welding, industrial systems, electrical systems, air conditioning technology, automotive technology, and drones. Industry partners including Brightmark, Inline Plastics, Nexus Circular, Procter & Gamble, and Yongsan Automotive provided interactive exhibits and demonstrations that helped students connect classroom learning to real-world applications. In total, more than 230 middle school students experienced hands-on learning opportunities that showcased the power and potential of advanced manufacturing careers.
Industry Partner Spotlights
Inline Plastics, based in McDonough, participated in the Henry County event with an engaging Hands-on Career Station that connected students to real-world manufacturing concepts. The team demonstrated how temperature, time, and pressure play key roles in thermoforming, using a creative “cookie dipping” activity to illustrate the process. Students explored how roles such as engineering, quality assurance, production, logistics, and human resources contribute to the company’s success in safe and sustainable packaging.
“We truly enjoyed presenting to the students and sparking curiosity about manufacturing careers,” said Lisa Daniel, Technical Training Coordinator at Inline Plastics. “Our goal was to help students see themselves thriving in careers that offer both lifestyle and work fulfillment. Events like this strengthen the local workforce pipeline and inspire the next generation of innovators.”
Procter & Gamble (P&G) also played an important role at the Butts County event, sharing insights from its automated fulfillment center in Jackson, Georgia, and demonstrating how technology, logistics, and automation intersect in modern manufacturing.
“P&G was excited to participate in the manufacturing summit as we’re passionate about equipping the next generation for technical career paths and helping them learn about the opportunities right around them,” said Will Barnes, SEFC Automation Director, Procter & Gamble. “Events like this help not only companies like P&G showcase the work in an automated fulfillment center like the one we operate in Jackson, but also encourage the youth in our community to consider their future professional options after school and give them a vision for their future. We look forward to doing this more!”
Southern Crescent Technical College extends heartfelt thanks to all the industry partners who made the event possible:
- Jessica Hudson, Brightmark
- Lisa Daniel and the team from In-Line Plastics
- Tara Robinson, Nexus Circular
- Arleeta Cavender, Yongsan
- Will Barnes and Marquise Fletcher, Procter & Gamble
Southern Crescent Technical College remains committed to expanding student engagement opportunities and strengthening industry partnerships across its eight-county service region. To learn more about the Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing programs offered at Southern Crescent Technical College, visit www.sctech.edu.