A technical college received state funds to build the state’s largest transportation training center in Stonecrest.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College will get a new $5.8 million regional training center, which will focus on the logistics and transportation industries. The project was included in the $27.2 billion budget signed by Gov. Brian Kemp last month.
The 28,000-square-foot facility will replace the college’s current commercial truck driving campus, located at 6720 Marbut Road. Dorian DeBarr, president of the Decide DeKalb Development Authority, said in a news release the facility will lead to transformative change for the county.
“When we speak of advancing development throughout the entire county so that all of DeKalb residents can thrive and prosper, it starts with having a well-trained and educated workforce utilizing the latest technology,” DeBarr, who is also a member of the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Board of Directors, said.
The state Legislature also approved $3.2 million to build a similar facility for Atlanta Technical College. Both colleges will use the new buildings to house their commercial truck driving, diesel technology and automotive technology programs. Both projects will be funded with construction bonds.
The transportation industry is one of the largest in Georgia, with one out of every 14 employees working in that field, according to the release. At the same time, multiple national news outlets have reported the COVID-19 pandemic has increased a shortage in commercial truck drivers.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s facility will also be a short-term training hub for its forklift certification program. It will also have incubator space for transportation start-ups and entrepreneurship opportunities, the release said.
“We are excited that Georgia Piedmont Technical College can provide more opportunities for students interested in pursuing one of these high-demand career fields as we grow a talent pipeline for business and industry,” Greg Dozier, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner, said in the release.
The college, which typically has about 4,800 enrolled students, anticipates opening the new facility by 2024.
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