Oscar Kwon, CEO of Hyundai Motor Group, Metaplant along with several other senior level officers of Hyundai signed an agreement this week to partner with Southeastern Technical College in a broad, new training program. The signing signaled the first direct effect locally of the new four-billion-dollar Hyundai assembly plant now being built in Bryan County. Southeastern Technical President Larry Calhoun introduced the delegation from the South Korean automaker to an enthusiastic crowd Tuesday morning. Chairman Kwon expressed his company’s appreciation for the school’s support of the training initiative. He also spoke of the dedication and commitment of Hyundai in working with local communities to not only manufacture world class electric vehicles, but also to bring about brighter futures for employees and customers alike. Mark Smith, Chief of Staff for the Technical College System of Georgia echoed Chairman Kwon’s remarks and pledged the continued collaboration and support of the TCSG. The workforce training programs that will prepare potential employees will be offered at four area institutions in this area of Georgia. The eight-hour credit certificate includes three courses and will focus on safe and effective automotive shop operations, automotive electrical principles and the operation and service of electric vehicles.
Construction of the giant assembly plant is on schedule, and the start of production of electric vehicles is scheduled for late 2024 to early 2025. 300,000 vehicles will be produced in the first year by the 8,100 employees that will be hired to work at the facility. In the immediate years following start-up, production will increase to 450,000 a year
