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Woodstock, GA – Goodwill of North Georgia introduced its new AI virtual welding and forklift simulators to enhance its existing training programs at its Woodstock Career Center, located at 9425 Highway 92, Suite 142, Woodstock, Georgia. These simulators aim to provide additional practice time on equipment and improve the overall training experience for participants.

The new virtual simulators, will provide participants with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the equipment in a virtual platform before engaging in hands-on training. Following the hands-on training, participants can continue to practice and hone their skills using the virtual equipment, better preparing them for successful employment.

In addition to benefiting program participants, the virtual equipment will allow job seekers to sample welding and forklift operations before committing to either training program. This ensures that the right people are placed in the right programs, leading to meaningful, gainful employment that meets their needs.

“We are excited to integrate these simulators into our training programs to provide a unique learning experience for our participants,” said Jenny Taylor, Vice President of Career Services at Goodwill of North Georgia. “The simulators will help simulate real work scenarios and environments, ultimately better preparing our graduates to provide strong skills to employers in our communities.”

Through an investment of $400,000 from the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, Goodwill aims to expand and enhance its welding and forklift skills programs in Cherokee County, providing more opportunities for training participants to practice skills, increase employment opportunities, and improve outcomes on certification exams. The funds are a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The forklift simulators were purchased from Forklift Simulator and the welding simulators were purchased from Lincoln Electric.

As part of this initiative, Goodwill of North Georgia aims to increase the enrollment in the welding and forklift programs in Cherokee County. Over the past 10 years, Goodwill of North Georgia has enrolled more than 5,000 Cherokee County residents into forklift and welding programs. In FY24 the organization enrolled more than 100 residents into welding and more than 90 into forklifting. The organization will be hiring additional staff to support new skills training program participants and focus on outreach to underserved populations and high-need communities in the area.

The introduction of these simulators aligns with the Negative Economic Impact ARPA initiative and will benefit unemployed and underemployed county residents, particularly those from underserved populations or geographical areas. 

For more information about the new virtual welding and forklift simulators and Goodwill of North Georgia’s training programs, please visit www.goodwillng.org.

About Goodwill of North Georgia

Goodwill of North Georgia is a non-profit that serves a 45-county territory with 100+ stores and donation centers. The organization also operates 14 career centers to support job training and placement services offered free of charge to tens of thousands of North Georgia job seekers. In fiscal year 2024, Goodwill of North Georgia was recognized as the number one Goodwill in the nation for the fifth year in a row when it comes to people employed, helping more than 22,000 North Georgians get connected with jobs. 


Through the career centers and training programs, Goodwill serves veterans, people with disabilities, youth, single parents, the under-employed, people with criminal backgrounds, and anyone else looking for work. To learn more about Goodwill of North Georgia’s career services and job training programs, please visit www.goodwillng.org.

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