Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. recently recognized its second graduating class from its Maintenance Certification Program.

The MCP was developed in partnership with Georgia Quick Start to address KMMG’s need for qualified maintenance team members, who are scarce in the labor market. The second graduating class of the MCP represents an investment of resources that validate the successful partnership between KMMG and Georgia Quick Start, as well as West Georgia Technical College as the program has transitioned to their campus.

“The Maintenance Certification Program allows KMMG to develop a steady stream of talent ready to move into job openings in the maintenance team as they arise,” said Stuart C. Countess, chief administrative officer. “In addition, the program provides yet another opportunity for career development for production team members who want to use their skills in a new way. Georgia Quick Start Assistant Commissioner Jackie Rohosky and her team have been a valuable partner to KMMG from the very beginning and have set the stage for a successful future.”

KMMG started the program in 2014, in collaboration with Georgia Quick Start, to train team members to meet KMMG’s specific maintenance needs. During the program, team members attended four-hour-a-day classes that included testing on materials and required a passing grade. They also spent four hours of on-the-job training in production areas. The first class graduated 12 team members. The current class includes 18 graduates.

The program has now transitioned to West Georgia Technical College as part of its Precision Manufacturing and Maintenance Certification Program. Steve G. Daniel, president of West Georgia Technical College, said the college is honored to host the program.

“KMMG is a premier industry partner for West Georgia Tech. The Maintenance Certification Program has been a great success in combining our expertise in applicable, real-world training and KMMG’s need for qualified industrial maintenance technicians,” Daniel said.