Dalton — In a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation article, Beaulieu America said it was the only manufacturing company to be recognized in Georgia’s Great Promise Partnership program. The company partners with the Dalton City School System and Morris Innovative High School.
“We want to become active in promoting education in our community,” said Karel Vercryussen, president and CEO of Beaulieu America. “Our future depends on it. This program is one of the ways we are doing it.”
Georgia’s Great Promise Partnership places at-risk teens with participating employers to instill in them a sense of accomplishment and hope while teaching meaningful on-the-job skills and responsibility.
“Our 10 student workers must pass drug tests and screenings just like regular employees, and they receive pay just like employees, too,” said Lynn Chambers, vice president of employee development at Beaulieu. “To stay in the program, they must maintain their grades and attendance at school.” Georgia’s dropout rate is about 12 percent. “So, we see the program as not only giving the students practical, real world work experience, but also encouraging them to remain students. It’s a text book win/win.”
According to the company, since beginning in February Beaulieu has invested considerably in the program, by assigning supervisors with special background checks to work with teens and mentors trained to encourage and listen to teens.
“We see great potential in these kids,” said Angie Ledford, talent development coordinator at Beaulieu. “If they’re successful, we’re successful. And a full-time job awaits them upon graduation.”