Lt. Governor Casey Cagle announced the State of Georgia has received approval to waive federal labor regulations and allow 15-year old high school students to fully participate in the GA CATT apprenticeship program, which Cagle launched in 2015. GA CATT offers students the opportunity to work with a manufacturing mentor for three years, while earning a high school diploma, associate degree, internationally-recognized German apprenticeship industry certification, and up to $25,000 in compensation.

The U.S. Department of Labor approved the Work Experience and Career Exploration Program application submitted by the Georgia Department of Education, lifting overreaching federal regulations so that our state can deliver access to the unparalleled opportunities offered by GA CATT to more students.

“Time and time again, we have proven we can align our schools with industry to drive the growth of our economy by removing regulations and mandates,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “This decision marks a pivotal launching point for us to expand GA CATT and allow communities across every corner of our state to develop a highly skilled workforce – and today’s victory from the Trump Administration will help us reach new heights.”

“The Georgia Association of Manufacturers could not be more thankful for the dedicated leadership of Lt. Governor Cagle and the German American Chamber of Commerce,” added Roy Bowen, President of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers. “Our manufacturing companies across the state are now able to train apprentices at an earlier age, tailor their education to perfectly match the needs of industry, and effectively close the skills gap between education and workforce needs.”

“Thanks to our partnership with Lt. Governor Cagle and the State of Georgia, we have implemented a powerful program that is combining everything students will need to succeed in a globally competitive workforce,” said Stefanie Jehlitschka, Vice President of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States, Inc. “This WECEP approval is a remarkable step in the right direction for industry and students, strongly benefiting Georgia’s workforce potential and allowing apprentices to obtain the skills essential to a rewarding career at an even earlier age.”

“Our students now have access to valuable hands-on training and mentor guidance earlier in the apprenticeship process, easing their transitions into full-time work and ensuring success throughout all three years of the program. Georgia’s forward-looking leadership has invested in one of our nation’s most advanced training programs for high school students – and I’m confident it will continue to pay great returns for our state,” added Larry Alford, South Metro Atlanta Region Manager of Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute.