Georgia AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing

Did you know that apprenticeships help fill skill gaps within the workforce, leading to higher retention rates and better job performance? And apprentices provide a pathway to stable employment and career advancement. ? These are two of many reasons to consider an apprenticeship. It’s a great opportunity for an employer looking to fill a specific skill or need, and it’s a great opportunity for someone new to a career path to gain invaluable knowledge. Approximately 91% of apprentices are employed after completing their programs, which highlights the effectiveness of apprenticeship training in securing jobs. ? Learn more about how an apprenticeship through Georgia AIM’s partner TAG can put you on the path to success (for both employees and employers):?https://lnkd.in/dS_3jWYR

Why should your company offer apprenticeships? ? For starters, Companies with apprenticeship programs see employee retention rates of about 80%, compared to the national average turnover rate of 30% for all employees.? ? Apprenticeships are also a great way to support the next generation of employees. About 60% of apprentices are between the ages of 18 and 24, making apprenticeships a crucial pathway for young people entering the workforce. ? Georgia AIM’s partner TAG (Technology Association of Georgia) offers a tech-focused apprenticeship program that’s now seeking companies and employees. Don’t miss this opportunity to train the next generation of manufacturers! https://lnkd.in/dS_3jWYR

What can an apprenticeship do for my career? ? Apprenticeships aren’t just for skilled trades!?They are increasingly available in areas like IT, finance, and healthcare, making them accessible to a wider range of career paths. And, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprentices earn an average of $56,000 per year upon completion of their programs, which is significantly higher than the average salary for workers without a college degree. ? Want to learn more? Sign up for a lunchtime webinar on Nov. 19, where you can hear from apprentices and learn more about the process. The webinar is hosted by the Technology Association of Georgia, which collaborates with employers to develop meaningful apprenticeship opportunities that are closely aligned with industry needs. ? Register for the webinar today!?https://lnkd.in/eS5hXUQm

We're celebrating National Apprenticeship Week! Apprenticeships play an increasing role in preparing a skilled workforce, and there are lots of benefits to companies that provide this opportunity. Registered apprenticeships have been growing steadily, with over 600,000 active apprentices in the U.S. in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. And there's a reason for this increase: Businesses that invest in apprenticeship programs report a return on investment of $1.47 for every dollar spent, due to increased productivity and reduced turnover. Curious to know how your business can take part? Georgia AIM partner Technology Association of Georgia offers a structured apprentice program with a clear and direct path to in-demand tech jobs. These opportunities combine full-time technical training with on-the-job experience. This approach ensures that participants not only gain the necessary skills but also practical experience, making them well-prepared for their future careers. Learn more at TAG's upcoming webinar, noon-1 p.m. on Nov. 19! REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/eS5hXUQm ? Technology Association of Georgia

It can dance, jump, roll over, and wave its feet in the air. Have you met the robot Dawg? The robot Dawgs, dressed in #UGA football jerseys and custom 3D-printed bulldog heads, have made special appearances at University of Georgia campus events, including the Homecoming parade. More recently, they entertained the crowd at National Manufacturing Day, the final day of Georgia AIM Week that culminated in a daylong event at UGA's I-STEM building. The robot Dawgs arrived in August through Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing. The dogs are among the technology used by the Innovation Factory in the University of Georgia College of Engineering, one of the partners behind the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio. Rather than building the robots from scratch, the Innovation Factory is focused on applying the technology to assist small and medium-sized enterprises. Equipped with LiDAR scanners, the robot Dawgs can map their surroundings in real time and track inventory and people within warehouses. This ultimately saves resources and reduces waste, making them beneficial for both environmental and health reasons. Students and faculty at the Innovation Factory also plan to use the robots to educate and reach out to the community. “We see a lot of kids who don’t necessarily know what they want to do but are like, 'I want to do that,'" said Marcus DiBattista, a mechanical engineering doctoral student with the Innovation Factory. By sharing projects like the robot Dawgs, the Innovation Factory aims to connect innovative manufacturing-focused technologies with the broader community while maintaining their own excitement for innovation. Read the full story in The Red & Black Publishing Co.: https://lnkd.in/ePfEbFBy ? The University of Georgia Selah Gardiner Dr. Ryan Scott Donna Ennis, C.P.F Camille Cowans, MBA, PMP, CSM Tasheé Hawkins Steven Ferguson Beshoy Morkos #manufacturing

What do you know about apprenticeships? Join us for a special lunch webinar to learn more. Georgia AIM partner Technology Association of Georgia is hosting an engaging panel discussion to explore how apprenticeships are reshaping the future of the workforce. Learn about the benefits of apprenticeship programs from industry leaders, successful apprentices, and workforce development experts. Whether you are an employer, educator, or aspiring apprentice, this event will provide valuable perspectives on how apprenticeships transform industries and create new pathways to career growth. Panelists: ? Nikki Daniels - IT Support Specialist, QGenda; TAG-Ed Apprentice ? Becky DeMatteis - Program Manager, Partner Markets, Apprenti ? Brandon Ona - Director of Apprenticeships & Business Services, Technical College System of Georgia ? Recardo Tucker - IT Manager, QGenda ? Moderator: Bebita Metellus - Program Manager, TAG-Ed Register today! https://lnkd.in/eS5hXUQm ? Robert Half Insight Global PrideStaff Randstad IMPACT STAFFING INTERNATIONAL TalentBridge

This week our team learned from the experts with A3 - Association for Advancing Automation when they presented the AI & Smart Automation Conference in Atlanta. Participants heard how Georgia AIM is contributing to manufacturer and workforce solutions through our projects across the state, and students from the VECTR Center in Warner Robins — a Georgia AIM partner — attended the conference as well! It was a great opportunity to learn about the newest advances in manufacturing automations and take a deeper dive into developing our own autonomous agents. Thanks to our project reps from Georgia MEP, PIN, Central Georgia Tech/VECTR Center and TAG for sharing their work with manufacturers from across the country! Like what you're reading but not sure where to start with your own autonomous journey? Reach out to Georgia AIM to learn how our projects can help manufacturers and employees learn and grow smart manufacturing solutions. ? Central Georgia Technical College Georgia VECTR Center Donna Ennis, C.P.F Technology Association of Georgia Deryk Stoops Georgia MBDA Business Center Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) at Georgia Tech Dr. Loretta Daniels, Organizational Leadership, CDP Billyde Brown, Ph.D.

A huge THANK YOU to the judges and everyone involved with the Technology Association of Georgia's annual Technology Awards. It was an honor to stand alongside so many leaders in Georgia's tech ecosystem. We received the Tech for Good award and couldn't be prouder. Thank you to our teams across the state who make this work possible: 21st Century Partnership, Development Authority of Houston County, Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, University of Georgia College of Engineering, TAG, Technical College System of Georgia, Spelman College, and our partners at Georgia Institute of Technology including Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC), Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute, Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, and Georgia MBDA Business Center, Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) at Georgia Tech, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, ATDC, and Georgia Tech - Center for Economic Development Research from Georgia Tech - Enterprise Innovation Institute ? Donna Ennis, C.P.F ? Steven Ferguson ? Dr. Ryan Scott ? Camille Cowans, MBA, PMP, CSM ? Kristen Bergman Morales ? Cassia Baker ? B. David Bridges ? Tasheé Hawkins ? Ieasha M. Jones ? Stebner, Aaron

As a friendly reminder, we have two more AI 101 courses available! ?? Join us in Cartersville on November 20th or Augusta on February 12th. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn about the latest AI trends and their applications for local officials. Seating is limited; we encourage you to register now to secure your spot! In this course, you will: -Acquire a fundamental comprehension of artificial intelligence: Gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's history, foundational concepts, and potential applications. - Grasp the ethical implications of AI development: Explore the moral considerations, biases, and societal impacts associated with AI creation and deployment. - Attain practical expertise in AI project implementation: Develop the skills necessary to effectively design, execute, and evaluate AI projects. - Discover AI's potential to enhance decision-making, efficiency, and innovation: Explore the transformative capabilities of AI in various domains, including its ability to improve decision-making processes, streamline operations, and foster groundbreaking advancements. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gVs_eBBD

“I didn’t have any thoughts about AI, but what I did think about was, what would pay me a lot of money after my transition from the Marines. What would keep me in the same quality of life as the pay you get from the Marine Corps? And that got me here. … I feel like a lot of people don’t know about the VECTR Center, but I want to tell people to just try and do something — just do a leap of faith and try to learn for yourself after the military. I can do classes in robotics, logistics, electrical, and I think that’s really cool. I feel like more people need to know about this.” — Malik Thornton-Bey, who served in the infantry in the U.S. Marine Corps. As he transitions out of military life, Thornton-Bey is studying AI Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing at Georgia’s VECTR Center in Warner Robins.