Golden Opportunities Student Industry Tours

In 2020, the Golden Isles Development Authority (GIDA) and the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce launched an effort to develop a community‐wide talent development strategy for the Golden Isles. From this effort, the Golden Isles Talent Development Strategy was launched. In 2022, Brian Weese, CEO of the Golden Isles College and Career Academy Foundation was tasked with managing the ongoing development of the Talent Development Strategy.

In Spring of 2023, the first of many Industry Tours welcomed 28 Brunswick High seniors to the Georgia Port Authority’s Colonel’s Island Facility for a 90-minute tour. The tour was facilitated by representatives from International Auto Processing, Georgia Ports Authority, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Mercedes Benz USA and Ports America. Students were able to see large bulk cargo including construction machinery, boats, tractors, and helicopters and learn how these items were transferred and learned how smaller vehicles including cars, trucks and SUVs were loaded and unloaded. Students saw how manufacturers checked cars for defects/damage and made repairs on site. Various career opportunities and pathways to employment were shared by the sponsoring companies and students were encouraged to apply.

“This first Industry Tour was a huge success”, says GICCA CEO Brian Weese, “we have plans to facilitate many more of these tours for the 2023-2024 school year”. Student industry tours play a vital role in preparing students for the workforce by providing them with exposure, insights, networking opportunities, practical application of knowledge, and the development of essential skills. “These tours bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, helping students make informed career decisions and preparing them for successful entry into their chosen industries”, McKenzie Padgett, Director of Business Development, GIDA.

Interested in Hosting Students?

We would love to help you coordinate a Student Industry Tour or you can reach out to GICCA or the Golden Isles Development Authority Directly. We’re more than happy to accommodate any requests you have.