The MAX Academy on Mastering Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships, presented by Google, convened more than 90 workforce development professionals, educators, employers, nonprofit leaders, and other workforce stakeholders for an in-depth exploration of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship strategies designed to strengthen workforce pipelines and expand career opportunities across Georgia. The Academy was hosted by the Georgia Power Corporate Responsibility Team.
The Academy focused on the design, implementation, alignment, and long-term sustainability of apprenticeship initiatives, with particular attention given to employer engagement, workforce equity, industry alignment, and cross-sector collaboration. Participants examined both registered and non-registered apprenticeship models and heard practical insights from state leaders and leaders representing technical colleges, workforce providers, and employers administering successful apprenticeship programs.
MAX Vice Chair Daniela Perry, Executive Director with the Georgia Chamber Foundation, opened the Academy by emphasizing the growing importance of workforce partnerships and innovative talent development strategies like apprenticeships in addressing Georgia’s evolving labor market needs. Following Perry’s remarks, Nick Guerrero, Coordinator of Charitable Giving with Georgia Power, greeted attendees on behalf of the company’s Corporate Responsibility Team. Representing the Academy’s presenting sponsor, Jamal Jessie, Manager of Community & Workforce Development with Google, discussed the importance of industry-led workforce strategies and the need for scalable pathways that connect individuals to high-demand careers through apprenticeships and skills-based learning opportunities. Keren Cadet, Industry Partnership Manager with CareerRise, rounded out the welcoming remarks as MAX Provider Council vice chair and discussed the importance of aligning employers, workforce providers, and community organizations around shared talent goals.
The first session of the day was led by Danny Mitchell, Director of Apprenticeships with Technical College System of Georgia – Office of Workforce Development. Mitchell provided a foundational overview of apprenticeship systems in Georgia, including the structure and distinctions between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Mitchell discussed how apprenticeship programs can be customized to meet employer workforce needs while supporting broader economic development and workforce participation goals.
Following Mitchell’s session, Brandon Ona, Executive Director, Business Engagement with Technical College System of Georgia – Office of Workforce Development, moderated a pnael on the role of technical colleges in apprenticeships with panelists Dr. Lewis Burke, Jr.. Executive Director of Economic Development with Atlanta Technical College; Lauren Dodson, Vice President of Economic Development with Gwinnett Technical College; and Josh Williams, Vice President of Economic Development with Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Burke, Dodson and Williams discussed how technical colleges can align curriculum, workforce training, and employer partnerships to support industry-responsive apprenticeship models. They highlighted strategies for collaborating with employers to design programs that address regional workforce shortages and evolving skill needs. And they shared insights on workforce alignment, employer responsiveness, and the operational considerations involved in sustaining apprenticeship initiatives over time
Leadership MAX Class of 2025 alumnus Paul Terlemezian, President of iFive Alliances, LLC, moderated a panel during the third session of the day focused on how community-based training providers are fostering apprenticeship opportunities. Panelists included Keren Cadet, Industry Partnerships Manager with CareerRise; Deborah Scott, Executive Director with Georgia STAND-UP; and Past MAX Board Chair Jenny Taylor, Chief Missions Officer + Vice President, Career Services with Goodwill of North Georgia. This session focused on the critical role workforce providers play in creating equitable access to apprenticeship opportunities, connecting employers with talent, and providing the wraparound supports to help participants successfully enter and complete apprenticeships.
Rounding out the day was a panel to hear success stories from employers, moderated by another Leadership MAX Class of 2025 alumnus, Dr. Maxine Cain, Founder of STEM Atlanta and a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador for Georgia. Joining this panel were Emily Browning, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist with Delta Community Credit Union; Quintin DeGroot, Senior Recruiter with DeKalb County School District; Jamal Jessie, Manager, Community & Workforce Development with Google; and Cedric Sheffield, Workforce Development Specialist with Georgia Power. Throught their specific industry lens, panelists spoke about how how apprenticeships can support recruitment, retention, and workforce development goals; strategies for addressing workforce shortages through apprenticeship models; and how apprenticeship strategies can strengthen workforce readiness and create sustainable career pathways.
Special thanks to all of the speakers who joined us on this day to share their insights, expertise, and advisement with Academy participants. Special thanks also to Georgia Power for hosting our Academy and to Hanna Brothers for their excellent catering services.
And last but certainly not least, special thanks to Google for serving as our presenting sponsor.
ABOUT THE MAX ACADEMY
Launched in 2014, the mission of MAX is to advance economic resilience in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development. One impactful way we do this is through the MAX Academy.
The MAX Academy offers professional development and capacity building training workshops to help workforce development professionals develop new skills, learn best practices, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.
