The Manufacturing Institute

The Manufacturing Institute and Savannah Technical College Celebrate Landmark Heroes MAKE America Triple Cohort Graduation

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

(FORT STEWART, Ga.) Savannah Technical College, in collaboration with The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America (HMA) initiative, celebrated a milestone achievement in workforce development, honoring graduates from three distinct cohorts of HMA’s SkillBridge training programs. This ceremony marked a significant first for the initiative, as it included the inaugural graduating class of the Fast Track Automation & Robotics program, and graduates from the Fast Track Logistics and Fast Track Airframe & Powerplant Prep (A&P Prep) tracks. 

The graduation represents more than the completion of a curriculum; it signifies the next step in transition for service members, helping them move from military duty to civilian careers. These graduates have translated their service, training, and experience into high-demand technical skills, directly addressing the workforce needs of the Coastal Empire’s booming manufacturing and aviation sectors. 

Launched in April of this year, graduates of the new Fast Track A&P Prep course are the third cohort to complete the intensive six-week course designed to fast-track participants toward earning their FAA Aviation Mechanic certification. Their entry into the workforce comes at a critical time, providing essential talent for aviation giants like Gulfstream Aerospace. Alongside them, graduates from the Fast Track Automation & Robotics program are now prepared to step into roles supporting advanced manufacturing facilities, while Fast Track Logistics graduates are ready to manage the complex supply chains that drive the regional economy. 

“These programs are a dynamic response to the evolving demands of American manufacturing,” said Ryan W. Foley, President of Savannah Technical College. “Our partnership with Heroes MAKE America ensures service members and their families have access to cutting-edge training and opens opportunities for these folks right here at home.” 

“The Manufacturing Institute congratulates all the students who will start the New Year with life-changing skills and certifications for in-demand careers,” said Amy Thomas, National Director of Heroes MAKE America. “This milestone graduation reflects the strength of our partnership with Savannah Technical College and the potential for transitioning service members to start their second career in manufacturing. We wish them well are excited to welcome them into the manufacturing workforce.” 

For many of these transitioning service members, this program bridges the gap between military experience and a clear civilian career path. The training provides not only technical proficiency but also renewed confidence, direction, and a sense of professional belonging in the civilian sector. By validating military skills with industry-recognized certifications, the program removes uncertainty from the post-service career transitions. It eliminates guesswork for employers, giving them confidence in a candidate’s readiness from day one. The success of these cohorts highlights the critical role industry partnerships and donor support play in building the skilled talent manufacturing needs. Through these investments, partners help prepare job-ready veterans whose skills strengthen the manufacturing workforce.

ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE 

The Manufacturing Institute builds and strengthens the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow. As the 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI serves as a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. Heroes MAKE America, an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, collaborates with manufacturing leaders to strengthen the pipeline from military service to manufacturing careers. This program supports military hiring strategies by connecting manufacturers with the broader military community through accelerated certification training programs, hiring events, facility tours, career fairs, and other direct engagement opportunities. For more information, visit https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/heroes-make-america/training-program/.  

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Savannah Technical College complies with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.