Coweta County Schools and Southern Mills present . . .
Teachers in the Workplace

This program is designed to inform teachers, students, and other members of the educational system of the various specialized technical and vocational fields available to students who are not on the college-bound tract.


General History of Southern Mills

Southern Mills is a textile industry specializing in the production of the latest protective fabrics for firefighter clothing and station uniforms, the fire blocking fabric which is used in airplane seating, space shuttle crew launch and re-entry suits as well as boot insulation padding worn by astronauts, ironing pads, lawn mower grass catcher bags, and various linens used both in and out of the United States.

Established in 1925, Southern Mills presently has 5 plants all located in Georgia. Corporate Headquarters, located in Union City, houses the latest in advance lab equipment to test the strength, durability, flame-resistance, and quality of fabrics. The Nonwoven division, located in Senoia, along with its "sister" plant next door, Plant Ellis, creates its own thread and yarn spinning and weaving it into various fabrics. Plant Ray, located in Molena, then takes the fabric, knits it together, and puts it through a dying and finishing process. The Atlanta plant was the original plant and still houses some of the oldest and largest looms and weaving/knitting equipment in the textile industry.


What does Southern Mills have to offer to students not on the college-bound tract?
1. $$$ - an attractive salary with lots of room to grow

2. Room for growth and advancement with the assistance of an in-house educational program called SMILE - Southern Mills Incorporated Learning Enrichment.

3. On-the-job training extending from six months to eighteen months

4. Opportunities to learn various jobs like circular knitting, weaving, carding, drawing, roving, spinning, doffing, doubling, twisting, and warping.


What do students need to know before entering this kind of industry?
 
1. Ability to not only read, but also to understand and comprehend what is read

2. Basic math skills along with decimals and fractions

3. Ability to convert measurements from a standard measurement to the metric system as well as knowing how to use a basic ruler

4. Ability to fill out a basic application - Surprised? You shouldn't be. Many don't know how to do this.

5. Knowledge of and ability to use basic mechanical tools

6. An understanding of general safety procedures which should be followed in the job place

7. Ability to communicate both verbally and in written form

8. Critical thinking skills

Lesson Plans for Teachers with practical application techniques to better prepare your students for the career world.
Southern Mills Speaker's Bureau
Occupational Chart for Southern Mills