Readers Write: Sept. 8

Tech colleges create well-educated workforce

In reference to Kyle Wingfield’s Aug. 27 column on rural development, we at the Technical College System of Georgia agree that “producing a quality, trained, reliable workforce” is critical to economic development in rural areas. Building a well-educated workforce for Georgia is TCSG’s mission.

Each program, at each of the 22 TCSG colleges, has an Advisory Committee consisting of employers, instructors and other experts. These committees ensure that the college’s programs align with industry needs and provide the latest technical innovations and requirements.

We connect students with employers through company training partnerships, apprenticeships and career advisory centers. Through College & Career Academies, we connect high school students with employers. Each college’s Economic Development department also identifies career opportunities at local companies.

We are proud of TCSG’s 88 percent job placement rate for students in their field of study, and 99 percent placement rate for students working in any field or furthering their education. Georgia’s technical colleges are proud to be part of their business communities.

GRETCHEN CORBIN, TCSG COMMISSIONER

More companies should consider remote working

I was glad to see an update on remote workers and how some companies are handling that issue (“Why remote working succeeds at some firms, not at others,” News, Sept. 3). Companies should also consider how limiting telecommuting supports or undermines their culture. If a company promotes a culture that values autonomy and independence, allowing telecommuting validates that. If a culture is more about teamwork, telecommuting might be less important, though there are certainlyways for remote employees to collaborate. The current trend away from telecommuting will be short-lived. In 10 years, millennials will be in their mid-30s to mid-40s andfirmly established in management. They’re accustomed to moving seamlessly between work and personal lives, so telecommuting seems obvious to them.

ELIZABETH COGSWELL BASKIN, ATLANTA