The Puckett Center

Today we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and progress.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is strengthened when opportunity, education, and community are accessible to all. As we honor this important day in our nation’s history, we also reflect on the work that continues to build stronger communities and brighter futures for generations to come.

Communities across the country are searching for answers to workforce shortages in manufacturing, healthcare, cybersecurity, logistics, and the skilled trades.

One thing is becoming clear: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

A recent article by McMillan Pazdan Smith highlighted three strategies communities are using to strengthen talent pipelines:
🔹 Building career pathways early through education
🔹 Creating partnerships between education, industry, and the community
🔹 Retraining skilled talent to meet immediate workforce needs

We’re honored that The Puckett Center at Columbus Technical College was recognized as an example approach—helping transitioning service members, military families, and local residents connect their existing skills to meaningful civilian careers right here in the Chattahoochee Valley.

Workforce development isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about creating opportunity, retaining talent, and building stronger communities.

We’re proud to be part of that mission.

Three Workforce Development Strategies Communities Are Using to Strengthen Talent Pipelines Communities are using different workforce development strategies strengthen talent pipelines and support long-term economic growth through education, partnerships and retraining programs.

Check out the Summer Edition of the Columbus Workforce Report.

The Columbus Workforce Report - Summer Edition | The Puckett Center | Columbus Technical College Check out the Summer Edition of the Columbus Workforce Report!

🇺🇸 251 Years of Service. 251 Years of Leadership. 251 Years of Soldiers.

Today, we celebrate the 251st Birthday of the United States Army.

For more than two centuries, generations of Soldiers have answered the call to serve our Nation with courage, selfless service, and unwavering commitment. Their dedication has protected our freedoms and strengthened communities across the world and here at home.

At The Puckett Center, we are proud to continue serving those who have served by helping transitioning Servicemembers, Veterans, military spouses, and their families find new opportunities through education, workforce training, and meaningful careers.

To every Soldier—past and present—thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your leadership.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Army. 🇺🇸🪖

ThePuckettCenter

🚗 Due to high demand, we’ve added more Driver’s Education classes in July!

Ready to earn your license or help your teen take the next step toward independence? Columbus Technical College’s Driver’s Education program provides professional instruction designed to build safe, confident drivers.

✅ Classroom instruction
✅ Experienced instructors
✅ State-approved curriculum
✅ Additional July sessions now available

Seats fill quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your spot!

📅 View upcoming classes and register here:
https://ce.columbustech.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1017813&courseTitle=driver-s-education&selectedProgramAreaId=1017756&selectedProgramStreamId=

Military spouses bring resilience, adaptability, professionalism, and an unmatched ability to thrive through change. At Columbus Technical College’s Workforce Solutions Division, we’re proud to support military spouse career growth through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) Career Accelerator Program.

We’re currently seeking military spouses interested in two exciting fellowship opportunities:

📌 Grants and Contracts Project Coordinator
Gain hands-on experience in:
• Grant research and proposal development
• Federal and state contracting
• Project coordination and compliance
• Budget development and reporting
• Partnership and stakeholder engagement

📌 Workforce Programs and Employer Engagement Coordinator
Build skills in:
• Employer and community relations
• Training program coordination
• Event planning and logistics
• Customer engagement
• Workforce operations and program support

These fellowships provide meaningful professional experience, mentorship, and opportunities to develop portable career skills that can move with you wherever military life takes you.

If you’re a military spouse looking to gain experience, expand your professional network, and make an impact in workforce development, we encourage you to apply.

🔗 Apply through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership:
https://spouseworks.militaryonesource.mil/portal/msep⁠

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with military spouses in your network.

💧 Protect our water. Advance your career. Stay compliant.

Registration is now open for Columbus Technical College's Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification & Re-Certification course!

Whether you're earning your certification for the first time or renewing your credentials, this hands-on training will help you build the knowledge and skills needed to test, maintain, and protect water systems with confidence.

📅 July 6–8
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM daily

🔗 Register today: bit.ly/backflowctc