The Puckett Center

Most people think forklift certification is only for warehouse workers.

The reality is that forklift operators are needed across manufacturing, distribution, logistics, construction, and industrial operations throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

Employers depend on trained operators to move materials safely, reduce workplace accidents, and keep operations running efficiently.

If you’re looking to build a new skill, improve your employability, or add a credential to your resume, our upcoming Forklift Safety Training is a great place to start.

📅 June 24, 2026
📍 Columbus Technical College
✅ Industry-recognized training
✅ Hands-on instruction
✅ Open to the community

Invest in yourself. One skill can open new opportunities.

Register today:
🌐 Link in Comments

ColumbusGA

🚨 Apply Now for Fall Semester! 🚨

The Competitive Admission Application is now open for our high-demand healthcare programs:
🦷 Dental Hygiene
🩺 Associate Degree in Nursing
💉 Practical Nursing

Classes begin this fall semester, so don’t miss your chance to get started on your career path! 🎓
📅 Application deadline: June 1
✅ All prerequisites must be completed to apply
✅ Practical Nursing applicants must have a current HESI A2 score

📲 Learn more at: https://columbustech.my.salesforce-sites.com/inquiry/TargetX_Base__InquiryForm #?formId=a0BVw00000AZpI1MAL&formType=general

🚨 Now Enrolling for Fall! 🚨

Columbus Technical College is excited to announce that the Practical Nursing Program will be offered at the Puckett Center starting this August! 🩺💙

Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare? The application is now open, but don’t wait—the deadline to apply is June 1! ⏳

📌 Scan the QR code to apply today and secure your spot.

Start your journey in nursing with CTC—we can’t wait to support your success! 🎓✨

The Chattahoochee Valley has always been a region built by makers, builders, manufacturers, and skilled workers.

From advanced manufacturing and machining to logistics, welding, industrial maintenance, and automation, industry has long powered the economic strength of our community.

Columbus Technical College is proud to serve as the region’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence; delivering workforce solutions for our employers and building the talent pipeline needed for tomorrow’s economy.

Through hands-on training, industry partnerships, and workforce innovation, we are preparing students and workers for high-demand careers that strengthen both local industry and the future of the Chattahoochee Valley.

One thing we’re learning while building the Puckett Center:

There’s an incredible amount of untapped talent already here in our community.

Veterans, military spouses, transitioning service members, and local residents all bring valuable experience and potential.

Sometimes they just need the right connection, the right training, and the right opportunity.

At The Puckett Center, we do more than training.

We are building a workforce and transition ecosystem designed to support the whole person — not just the classroom experience.

In addition to accelerated workforce training and SkillBridge opportunities, we are connecting students, service members, veterans, military spouses, and community members with:

• Career counseling and academic advising
• Employer networking and direct hiring connections
• Resume and interview preparation
• Financial aid and workforce funding guidance
• Veteran and military family support services
• Credentialing and certification pathways
• Apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities
• Community resource and support partnerships

Our mission is simple: remove barriers, create opportunity, and connect people to meaningful careers that strengthen families and our region.

The COL Ralph Puckett Workforce Development Center is being built to serve as a true workforce, veteran, and family readiness hub for the Chattahoochee Valley.

Where Service, Skill, and Opportunity Connect.

☀️ Summer Jobs. Lifesaving Skills. Real Confidence.

Looking for CPR certification for babysitting, lifeguarding, coaching, camp counseling, teaching, or workplace safety?

Columbus Technical College Economic Development is offering an upcoming American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid, CPR, and AED course designed for everyday responders and community members.

This course is ideal for:
✅ Teenagers preparing for summer jobs
✅ Babysitters and caregivers
✅ Lifeguards and camp counselors
✅ Coaches and teachers
✅ Parents and family members
✅ Anyone wanting lifesaving skills

Participants will learn:
🚑 First Aid basics
❤️ CPR for adults, children, and infants
⚡ AED usage
🩹 How to respond confidently in an emergency until medical help arrives

📅 May 27, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Columbus Tech Professional Training Center
5330 Transport Blvd., Columbus, GA
💲 Only $35

A second session is also available on:
📅 June 10, 2026

Spaces are limited. Link in comments

ColumbusGA

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy and the opportunities we continue to build for future generations.

At the COL Ralph Puckett Workforce Development Center and Columbus Technical College, we remain committed to honoring that legacy by serving Veterans, Service Members, military families, and our community through education, workforce development, and opportunity.

This Memorial Day, we remember the fallen, honor their service, and reflect with gratitude on the cost of freedom.

🚨 Georgia employers: now is the time to start planning your workforce training strategy.

We expect the next application window for the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund to open in August, and companies across Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley should begin identifying training needs now.

Through partnerships with Columbus Technical College and The Puckett Center, employers can build customized workforce training plans aligned to high-demand regional careers in advanced manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades, healthcare, IT, energy, and construction. Many of these occupations are identified on the River Valley 2026 High Demand Career List.

Potential opportunities may include:
• Upskilling current employees
• Training new hires
• Building apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pipelines
• Industry-recognized credentialing
• Leadership and technical skills development

Georgia employers may be eligible for:
✅ Up to $7,000 in training reimbursement
✅ Streamlined application process
✅ Support for recruitment and retention
✅ Assistance closing critical workforce gaps

The Puckett Center and Columbus Technical College are already working with regional employers to build customized workforce pipelines tied directly to industry demand and employment outcomes.

If your company is considering applying during the expected August window, now is the time to begin developing your training plan.

📩 Reach out to start the conversation.

Attention Georgia employers: the application window for the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund is open through April 9❗️ Visit https://tinyurl.com/4bpx4j5r for more details and/or see the graphic for the web address💫

WorkSource Georgia —provides federally funded grants that reimburse employers for training new hires and upskilling current staff in:
🏗️ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
🚧 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
⚡️ 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆

𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗔 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗦
• Up to $𝟳,𝟬𝟬𝟬 for training
• Streamlined online application and documentation process
• Strengthen internal talent pipeline
• Improve recruitment, retention, and employee engagement
• Address critical skills gaps