A partnership between Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and Floyd County Prison is helping incarcerated individuals prepare for successful reentry into society through education and workforce training.
New labor force numbers released for Northwest Georgia show Chattooga County with the highest unemployment rate listed on the latest regional map.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.7 percent in April, down six-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The rate was 2.8 percent one year ago.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College will host Open House events at all six of its campuses next week, giving prospective students and families a chance to learn more about programs, tour facilities, and meet faculty and staff.
The events will be held from 10 AM until noon.
Open Houses are scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd at the Polk County Campus in Rockmart and the Walker County Campus in Rock Spring. On Wednesday, June 3rd, events will be held at the Gordon County Campus in Calhoun and the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton. On Thursday, June 4th, Open Houses will take place at the Catoosa County Campus in Ringgold and the Floyd County Campus in Rome.
Legare Price, associate vice president of Student Success at GNTC, said the events are a great opportunity for potential students and families to explore one of the college’s six campuses and see what GNTC has to offer.
Each two-hour event will include registration, a panel discussion, campus tours with program highlights, a presentation on GNTC’s benefits, and a step-by-step overview of the enrollment process.
Attendees will receive special giveaways and a code to waive the $25 application fee.
For more information, contact GNTC’s Office of Admissions at admissions@gntc.edu or 866-983-4682.
Manufacturing remains the leading employment sector in Chattooga County, continuing its long-standing role as the backbone of the local economy.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College says its Welding and Joining Technology program continues to be one of the school’s most in-demand programs, with graduates seeing strong job placement rates and high starting wages.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force participation and total employment during April, while Georgia’s unemployment rate remained well below the national average.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College will host a Free Application Week June 1-5 for students planning to enroll for the 2026 fall semester.
During that week, GNTC will waive the $25 application fee for all incoming students. Applicants should use the code JUNE26 when applying to have the fee waived.
The admissions deadline for fall semester is August 4, and classes are scheduled to begin August 17.
Students can apply by visiting GNTC.edu and clicking “Apply Now.” GNTC’s call center is available Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. at 866-983-4682. Questions may also be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@gntc.edu.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career fields including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service. The college serves students across Northwest Georgia through credit programs, adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start programs.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced that Tammy Chandler of Trion and Salvador Hernandez of Summerville are the spring 2026 recipients of the Roper Corporation Scholarship.
Chandler is enrolled in the Computer Support Specialist program at GNTC’s Walker County Campus, while Hernandez is studying Automation Technology at the Catoosa County Campus.
The Roper Corporation Scholarship was established in 2024 to provide financial assistance to GNTC students who are also employed by Roper Corporation. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, supplies, tools, and other educational materials.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the scholarship reflects Roper’s commitment to supporting workforce development in Northwest Georgia.
Roper Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Appliances, operates a major manufacturing plant in LaFayette and employs more than 2,500 people. Company officials say the scholarship helps remove financial barriers for students pursuing high-demand technical careers while strengthening the region’s manufacturing workforce.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point over the month to 3.3 percent.
That compares to 3.2 percent one year ago.
The region’s labor force increased by 2,155 over the month and by 4,086 over the year, reaching 459,952, an all-time high. The number of employed residents also rose, increasing by 2,996 over the month and 3,515 over the year to 444,625, also an all-time high.
Initial unemployment claims were up by 718 over the month and by 852 over the year, reaching 2,557.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the numbers are a strong sign during Economic Development Week, noting that more Georgians are securing jobs that support families and strengthen communities.