November 18, 2025
Opinion: A personal investment in Georgia’s future
Laying the Groundwork for Georgia’s Workforce
Workforce development has been a passion of mine since my very first day in the Georgia General Assembly, and it’s one of the great successes of this past legislative session. It is already shaping lives and making a real difference across our state.
With the signing of House Bill 192 — the Top State for Talent Act — Gov. Brian Kemp and the state legislature have taken a bold step toward aligning education with the high-demand careers driving Georgia’s economy. This is more than just policy; it’s a long-term investment in the future of Georgia families — and I know firsthand how life-changing that investment can be.
Two generations ago, my grandfather made a decision that changed the course of our family’s story. Like many young men of his time, he left school early to support his family. However, he saw the value in vocational education and enrolled in a course through Georgia Tech. That single moment led him to build a successful concrete business — one that supported not just his household but also opened doors for his children and grandchildren. His story is a powerful reminder that skilled work builds more than careers — it builds legacies.
Connecting Education to High-Demand Careers
That legacy fuels my commitment to this work. HB 192 ensures that today’s students can access similar life-changing opportunities. The bill directs the State Board of Education to incorporate Georgia’s High-Demand Career Initiative into the curriculum, with a focus on fields like aerospace, agribusiness, construction, education, energy, entertainment, hospitality, life sciences, logistics, and manufacturing.
But HB 192 is about more than job training. It requires students in grades 6 –12 to develop individual college and career plans, and it expands access to career counseling. We’re moving beyond a one-size-fits-all model to empower students to explore their passions and gain the skills they need to succeed — no matter their background or zip code.
Innovation in Action: Smart Manufacturing Pilot in South Georgia
One of the most exciting examples of this vision coming to life is the Smart Manufacturing Pilot Program launching this fall in Southwest Georgia. This initiative is driven by Georgia Tech, the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute and local businesses and school systems, and is supported by Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing. With faculty from the Georgia Tech Research Institute, it will be implemented at Thomasville High School, Thomas County High School, and Bainbridge High School.
Over a three-week course, students will get hands-on experience using CAD software, computer-controlled machine tools, 3D printers, and Python-based data tools to design and build their own race cars. Instruction is provided virtually by Georgia Tech faculty, while students use state-of-the-art equipment on-site — a hybrid model that blends high-tech access with local learning.
Teachers involved in the program are excited about the opportunities this will create for their students.
Building a More Prosperous Georgia
At its core, HB 192 is about building a stronger, more prosperous Georgia — one student, one career, one community at a time. It’s about honoring the hard work and determination of people like my grandfather and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to write their own success story.
I’m proud to have championed this legislation, and I look forward to seeing its impact unfold across the state for generations to come.
State Rep. Matthew Gambill, R-Cartersville, has been in office since 2019 and serves as a floor leader for Gov. Brian Kemp
https://jamesmagazinega.com/2025/11/13/opinion-a-personal-investment-in-georgias-future/