Scott Schrein
Director - Workforce Development Workforce Development
+1 (404) 586-6829 sschrein@gaccsouth.com
Last week brought two great opportunities to advance the GACATT Apprenticeship program and strengthen the workforce development pipeline in Georgia.
Partnering with Interroll on Industrial Automation
On Tuesday, September 8th, we visited Interroll Atlanta, the U.S. branch of the Swiss material handling company, to discuss the GACATT Mechatronics Technician program. Our conversation focused on how the program could be structured to meet Interroll's local demand for skilled professionals in Industrial Automation Applications — a great example of how the apprenticeship model can flex to fit the specific needs of local employers.
Exploring a Bachelor's Pathway at Kennesaw State University
From Interoll, we headed to Kennesaw State University's Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET) — Georgia's second-largest engineering program. At the Engineering Technology Center, we met with faculty to explore how the German dual apprenticeship system could create a pathway for apprentices to earn their Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics and Engineering, combining hands-on apprenticeship training with a four-year academic track.
The training facilities at KSU are truly exceptional, and our tour included conversations with students working on some fascinating research — from biomedical technology to UAV/drone technology and advanced robotics. It was an exciting glimpse into the innovation happening on campus and the caliber of talent coming through the pipeline.
Why This Matters
Visits like these help ensure the GACATT Apprenticeship program stays aligned with both industry needs and academic opportunity — giving apprentices a clear path from hands-on training to long-term career growth, whether that's stepping directly into roles like those at Interroll or continuing on toward a four-year degree at institutions like KSU.
We're looking forward to continuing these conversations and building out a program that serves apprentices, employers, and educational partners alike.