News Summary
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America has commenced an apprenticeship program with Savannah Technical College to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing. Starting in June 2024, the program offers 18 months of hands-on experience, paying $20.40 per hour with benefits. This initiative supports Hyundai’s larger investment project in Georgia, aimed at boosting local employment and creating a skilled workforce for the evolving automotive industry.
Savannah, Georgia – Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) has launched an apprenticeship program in collaboration with Savannah Technical College, aimed at preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing. This initiative, set to begin in June 2024, will provide participants with 18 months of hands-on experience in the Equipment Maintenance Department. Apprentices will be paid starting at $20.40 per hour, with bi-annual raises and full employee benefits.
The HMGMA facility, located outside Savannah, represents a substantial investment of $7.59 billion by Hyundai in Bryan County and is part of a broader investment initiative that totals $12.6 billion in Georgia. Designed to manufacture up to 500,000 hybrid and electric vehicles annually, this facility is anticipated to generate approximately 8,500 jobs by 2031, contributing to an annual earnings increase of $4.6 billion for the local economy.
The apprenticeship program is structured to address the workforce needs of the advanced manufacturing sector and is a cornerstone of Hyundai’s commitment to boosting local employment. Each apprentice will receive mentorship and will divide their time equally between classroom instruction and practical training on-site at the manufacturing plant. This approach is designed to ensure that apprentices are well-equipped with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Hyundai’s significant investment in the Savannah area is also marked by a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, which will establish a 30 gigawatt-hour battery plant. The combined efforts of these two facilities represent the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history and underscore the region’s importance in the automotive industry’s transition towards electrification.
Construction of HMGMA commenced in January 2023, with the facility spanning 16 million square feet of manufacturing space. Its strategic location near key transportation routes, including Interstate 16, Interstate 95, and the Port of Savannah, enhances logistical efficiency, providing a vital advantage for manufacturing operations.
Hyundai is employing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, to optimize its manufacturing processes, ensuring that the HMGMA facility operates effectively and meets the demands of the current automotive market. The company’s future plans include an additional investment of $21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028, projected to create around 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across the country.
The apprenticeship program not only aims to provide immediate workforce solutions but also to create a sustainable talent pipeline for the advanced manufacturing sector. By partnering with local technical colleges, Hyundai is committed to recruiting and training potential workers who can thrive in this innovative environment. This initiative highlights Hyundai’s recognition of the importance of building a highly skilled workforce to meet the future demands of the industry.
As HMGMA moves forward, it represents a critical step in the United States’ transition toward electric vehicles and sustainable manufacturing practices, while also fostering economic growth and job creation in the Savannah area. With the rollout of the apprenticeship program, Hyundai is positioning itself as a leader in workforce development and technological advancement, ensuring that its operations are supported by a capable and well-trained workforce.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Savannah Business Journal: Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Announcement
- Savannah Now: Georgia’s Battery Belt Potential
- Newsweek: Hyundai Metaplant America in Georgia
- Bloomberg: Hyundai Savannah Metaplant Overview
- Savannah Now: Hyundai’s Impact on Savannah Economy
- Wikipedia: Hyundai
- Google Search: Advanced Manufacturing
- Google Scholar: Hyundai Apprenticeship Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing
- Google News: Hyundai Metaplant
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
