On Tuesday, July 11th, Southeastern Technical College (STC) and HMGMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a training partnership that will lead to automotive industry jobs at the Bryan County site. “The signing of this MOU between Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and Southeastern Technical College represents a collaboration built on the foundation of mutual benefit. Hyundai gains access to a pool of talented individuals who can contribute to its growth and competitiveness, while the college gains access to real-world case studies and industry expertise, enriching the learning experience for students. This collaboration ensures that technical education remains relevant and impactful in a rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape”, said STC (Vidalia Campus) President, Larry Calhoun.
The Electric Vehicle Professional Technical Certificate program was created to prepare students for entry-level employment in the electric vehicle production industry. The eight-credit-hour certificate includes three courses and will focus on safe and effective automotive shop operations, automotive electrical principles, and the operation and service of electric vehicles. Those who complete the certificate program will have the skills needed to work in sub-assembly shops, building components, and on the production floor to manufacture electric vehicles.
Oscar Kwon, CEO/President of HMGMA stated, “We are extremely excited to partner with Southeastern Tech for this training program. This training program will give prospective employees the tools they need to start a career in the electric vehicle industry with HMGMA. The students who attend Southeastern Tech are our neighbors. We place a strong emphasis on recruiting local and helping to create long-lasting careers for those we hire.”
Michele Johnson, Director of the Toombs County Development Authority and President of Greater Vidalia® Chamber commented, “The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) project will have an immediate positive impact and long-term economic benefit to Toombs County and the entire Heart of Georgia Altamaha Region. Toombs County is well-positioned to participate in the development of a stable supply chain for EV battery and EV components by providing premier location options, including multiple publicly owned build-to-suit sites and a 100,000 SF publicly owned spec building, a highly skilled workforce pipeline with access to training at Southeastern Technical College, and a team of local economic development resources working together in a sense of community and culture of prosperity. “
The course will be available at Southeastern Tech’s Vidalia campus .HMGMA is Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle mass-production plant. The plant is currently under construction and is expected to produce 300,000 to 500,000 electric vehicles annually.
