West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) has partnered with TydenBrooks in Tallapoosa to launch a new internship program that offers students in engineering and electrical systems valuable hands-on industry experience. The initiative, supported by a NASA-funded grant through the Georgia Space Grant Consortium (GSGC), began June 9 and marks a significant step forward in WGTC’s commitment to workforce development and industry collaboration.
Andrew Simonenko, an Electrical Systems Technology student, and Jose Mendez, an Engineering Technology student, are the first participants selected for this new opportunity with TydenBrooks—a global leader in high-security and tamper-evident seals and devices. The internship introduces students to the setup, operation, and maintenance of fiber optic equipment. In addition, students learn to interpret technical drawings, use precision tools, perform basic inspections, document their work, and follow industry-standard safety and troubleshooting procedures.
The internship is funded by one of two subawards WGTC received from the Georgia Space Grant Consortium (GSGC), which operates under the School of Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. GSGC is one of 52 NASA-sponsored consortia across the United States that support STEM education, research and public engagement.
“This internship reflects the strong collaboration between our partners and our shared goal of equipping students with relevant, in-demand skills,” said Alan Threadgill, Program Director of Electrical Systems Technology at WGTC. “It’s a promising start to what we anticipate will become a valuable, ongoing opportunity for students in the fall and spring semesters.”
