Date Posted: September 24, 2026
GRIFFIN, Ga. — Southern Crescent Technical College recently partnered with Gerresheimer to celebrate the official launch of the Gerresheimer Machine Operator Apprenticeship Program, recognizing eight students during the signing ceremony as part of the inaugural one-year apprenticeship cohort.
The signing day ceremony marked the beginning of a workforce development initiative designed to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing through a combination of classroom instruction, technical training, and hands-on industry experience. The Gerresheimer Machine Operator Apprenticeship is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of manufacturing equipment, processes, components, and production environments while developing the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed as machine operators.
By building this knowledge, apprentices gain a deeper understanding of manufacturing operations, improve communication across production and maintenance teams, and develop the confidence necessary to grow within the industry. The program reflects Gerresheimer’s commitment to investing in workforce development while helping create a stronger and more skilled manufacturing workforce for the region.
“At Southern Crescent Technical College, our mission is to transform lives through education and workforce development,” said Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College. “The Gerresheimer Machine Operator Apprenticeship creates a direct pathway from the classroom to the workplace, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience while preparing for successful careers. We are proud to partner with Gerresheimer to invest in our students, strengthen the regional workforce, and support the continued growth of advanced manufacturing in Georgia.”
“This apprenticeship represents the power of partnership between education and industry,” said Richard Andrews, Vice President of Economic Development at Southern Crescent Technical College. “By combining classroom learning with real-world experience, these students are developing the skills employers need while creating meaningful career pathways for themselves. We are proud to partner with Gerresheimer to help strengthen our region’s manufacturing workforce and support the future of advanced manufacturing in Georgia.”
Students recognized during the signing ceremony included:
- Angel Caldwell
- Alexander Calle
- Joshua Crawford
- Raymond Larkins
- Reynaldo Molina
- Natalie Perez
- Terry Sims
- Ashley White
Representatives attending the signing day ceremony included Amanda Fields, Vice President of the Fayette County Development Authority; Leonardo McClarty, President of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce; Cole McKeehan, Technical Trainer at Gerresheimer; and Albert von Pelser, Vice President of Operations and Plant Manager at Gerresheimer.
Funding for the apprenticeship training is being provided through the Atlanta Regional Commission Workforce Development Initiative utilizing the SAFE Grant, helping expand workforce training opportunities and strengthen talent pipelines throughout the region.
The Gerresheimer Machine Operator Apprenticeship reflects a shared commitment between Southern Crescent Technical College and Gerresheimer to developing skilled talent, expanding career opportunities, and supporting the continued growth of Georgia’s manufacturing industry.
For more information about workforce development and apprenticeship opportunities at Southern Crescent Technical College, visit www.sctech.edu.