Effingham Educators Gain Real-World Industry Experience Through Regional Externship

June 8, 2026

Externs pose with representatives of Sewon America, Effingham County School District, and Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. (L-R): Owen Nix, Todd Wall, Aaron Parker, Johnny Thompson, Robert Vazquez, Vannete Randolph, Jessica Hood

RINCON, GA – Effingham College & Career Academy instructors Aaron Parker and Johnny Thompson were among 20 educators selected from across the eight-county RISE region to participate in the second annual Regional Educator Externship Program hosted by the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE) from June 1–5. Made possible with support from Georgia Power and coordinated locally by the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA), the program connects educators with real-world industry experience to strengthen career readiness efforts in local schools.

Participants were assigned to one of 10 host employers representing a variety of industries across the region, including Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, Daniel Defense, SNF Holding Company, Briggs & Stratton, Sewon America, Brasseler USA, JCB, JTEKT, Claxton Poultry, and DAS Corporation. Parker, who teaches the Engineering pathway, and Thompson, who teaches the Manufacturing pathway, were placed at Sewon America, where they observed operations across multiple departments and gained firsthand insight into the technologies, workforce needs, and career opportunities available within the company.

“We’re proud to support initiatives like the Educator Externship that build meaningful bridges between classrooms and careers,” said Jessica Hood, Vice President of the ECIDA. “When educators gain firsthand exposure to modern industry, they are better equipped to help students understand the opportunities available to them and the skills needed to be successful in today’s workforce.”

Todd Wall, CEO of the Effingham College & Career Academy, praised the program’s impact.

“Experiences like this help ensure our instructors stay connected to current industry practices and emerging technologies,” said Wall. “For educators in our Engineering and Manufacturing pathways, the opportunity to see advanced automation, robotics, and production processes firsthand is invaluable. When teachers bring those experiences back to the classroom, students gain a better understanding of how their coursework connects to future careers.”

Throughout the week, Parker and Thompson rotated through multiple departments at Sewon America, observing production processes, engineering functions, quality systems, maintenance operations, and workforce development efforts.

“What stood out to me most was the level of automation and the amount of problem-solving required to keep everything operating at peak efficiency,” said Thompson. “Seeing the robotics integrated throughout the production lines gave me a better understanding of the technical skills students will need in today’s manufacturing environment. I was also impressed by how employees work together across multiple languages and cultures to accomplish common goals. It reinforced the value of communication skills and even foreign language studies as students prepare for future careers. My hope is to help students see how the projects and lessons they complete in the classroom connect directly to the real world of work.”

Parker said one of the most valuable aspects of the externship was the opportunity to interact with leaders throughout the company and learn more about Sewon’s culture.

“I enjoyed talking with managers from different departments and seeing the level of care they have not only for their teams, but also for the future vision of the company,” said Parker. “It was especially rewarding to see one of my former students who started at Sewon as a team member and has since earned multiple promotions into the maintenance department. Seeing that career progression firsthand reinforces the opportunities available to our students after graduation. I was also impressed by the level of automation in the stamping and press department and the technology that supports modern manufacturing operations.”

Sewon America leadership also saw value in the experience.

“It was rewarding to host educators who are helping prepare the next generation of talent,” said Robert Vazquez, Director of Human Resources at Sewon America. “Programs like the Educator Externship help educators gain a deeper understanding of modern manufacturing while providing industry with an opportunity to share the wide range of career pathways available to students. We hope experiences like this help create greater awareness of the opportunities that exist at Sewon and throughout the manufacturing sector.”

At the conclusion of the week, all externs presented their takeaways during a special graduation ceremony hosted by RISE. Each educator received a $1,000 stipend and left with a renewed commitment to aligning education with workforce demands.

The ECIDA extends its thanks to RISE, Georgia Power, the participating host employers, and the educators for investing in workforce development and helping to grow a talent pipeline rooted in real-world understanding.

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