Macon, Ga. — Determination, opportunity, and community partnership recently came together to change the trajectory of one employee’s career through Central Georgia Technical College’s (CGTC) Adult Education program.
Ricky Nicklow, an employee of Speir & Associates Electrical Contractors, successfully earned his General Educational Development (GED) credential through CGTC in less than one month, now he qualifies for the SPEIR apprenticeship program through CGTC. His achievement highlights the flexibility and responsiveness of the College’s Adult Education program and the power of partnerships that remove barriers to workforce advancement.
Nicklow was eligible for an apprenticeship at Speir & Associates but needed to complete his GED before he could accept the opportunity. Recognizing his potential, a representative from Speir & Associates contacted CGTC’s Adult Education department to explore possible solutions.
The Adult Education team quickly assessed Nicklow’s needs and enrolled him in a program designed to fit his schedule and goals. In just under a month, Nicklow successfully completed his GED, positioning him to accept his promotion and continue advancing his career.
“Everyone at Speir & Associates is so proud of Ricky! His hard work and determination are an inspiration to us all. A positive attitude and true grit overcome most obstacles, and Ricky certainly proved that to everyone,” said Lacey Kittrell, Corporate Secretary and Human Resources Manager for Speir & Associates.
CGTC’s Adult Education Division (AED) is structured to help any student excel in their chosen career path and will accommodate any needs necessary to achieve the goals set forth for each student in the program. Earning GED’s, associate degrees, and certificates are vital goals for many students, and the Division offers numerous pathways flexible for any individual seeking their own personal development.
“Our mission is to meet students where they are and provide the support, flexibility, and resources they need to achieve their goals,” said Dr. Brittany Lucas, Vice President for Adult Education at CGTC. “Ricky’s success is a testament to what can happen when students, employers, and educators work together with a shared commitment to opportunity. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishment and grateful for partnerships like the one with Speir & Associates that help transform lives through education.”
Nicklow is just one of many students who come to CGTC seeking a specific requirement and who leave fulfilled and ready to journey to new heights in their careers. Nicklow is now able to prosper beyond the limits of his previous circumstances and continue his upward journey at Speir. The entire team at Adult Education is incredibly proud of Nicklow’s accomplishments with their program, and they wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward in life.
About Central Georgia Technical College
As one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, CGTC operates three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. CGTC is focused on connecting graduates to careers by offering quality education services, assuring a well -qualified workforce to support a healthy local economy. CGTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information about CGTC, visit www.centralgatech.edu. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).