Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) welcomed approximately 200 high school students on Friday, Nov. 6, to its Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton for Career Preview Day 2026.

Students from Calhoun High School, Dade County High School, The Dalton Academy, LaFayette High School, Murray County High School and North Murray High School met with GNTC program directors, toured their labs and explored various career pathways.

There were demonstrations and hands-on learning activities for the programs offered by GNTC.

“Events like these are game changers for the students, their families and our area high schools,” said Jason Gamel, director of Recruitment at GNTC. “Students learn more about GNTC’s academic programs and the benefits of learning a skilled trade as they make decisions about their futures.”

LaFayette High School student Jayro Flores (right) learns about casting a footprint from Tyler Gahan, program director, assistant dean and instructor of Criminal Justice Technology at GNTC.

Featured GNTC programs included Accounting Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Automation Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, Business Management, Central Sterile Processing, Construction Management, Criminal Justice Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Instrumentation and Controls Technology, Medical Assisting, Paramedicine, Phlebotomy Technician, Surgical Technology, Precision Machining and Manufacturing Technology, and Welding and Joining Technology.

Be Pro Be Proud, a national workforce development initiative designed to attract students and young adults to technical careers, discussed careers in technical fields with students and provided simulation booths for students to test their skills.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs.

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