Spotlight On: Victoria Seals, President, Atlanta Technical College
June 2025 — In an interview with Focus:, Victoria Seals, president of Atlanta Technical College, discussed enrollment growth, industry partnerships, workforce development, and the role of technology in education. “We are preparing students not just for their first job but for lifelong growth and adaptability,” she said.
What have been the significant milestones for Atlanta Technical College over the past year?
Some of the most significant milestones lately have been the increase in our enrollment. The communities we serve took a little longer to recover from COVID-19 and its economic impacts, but we are now seeing double-digit growth in enrollment over the past couple of years. We expect to continue growing and getting back on track.
We are also seeing strong student attainment. Our students are more engaged in community and even global events, allowing us to educate the whole person. As a result, our graduation rate and degree attainment have reached their highest levels over the past year. We are also proud to have achieved a 100% job placement rate.
Atlanta Technical College exists to help people connect to career opportunities and pathways, and it has been very pleasing to see the increases in enrollment, student achievement, and overall impact.
How is the college adapting to shifts in demand for technical and vocational education, especially with the rising need for skilled labor across industries?
We are very pleased to see an increased focus on skilled trades. It has been helpful that industry partners and employers now recognize the value of technical education and understand that graduates can be highly impactful with a certificate or associate degree. There is a growing acknowledgment that a bachelor’s degree is not always necessary for success in the industry.
We are continuing to partner more intentionally with employer partners, ensuring they identify the competencies they need. We conduct side-by-side crosswalks with our programs to align training directly with industry needs. This approach allows graduates to move straight into employment without requiring additional training once hired.
It is exciting to see our students enter career pathways and benefit from the prosperity happening in the region. The resurgence of skilled trades has helped spotlight the value of technical education, particularly at Atlanta Technical College. It has also helped reinstate the dignity of work, showing families and young people that these are quality careers that offer a true living wage.
How has the Center for Workforce Innovation at ATC helped bridge the gap between education and in-demand careers in the Atlanta region?
We are very proud of our Center for Workforce Innovation. It was established through an intentional partnership with the city of Atlanta and the Atlanta Committee for Progress. Together, we identified the top industries facing workforce shortages and developed targeted strategies to address those needs.
A critical part of the Center’s success has been the active engagement of employer partners. Instead of simply sending job descriptions and waiting for applications, employers come to campus to present to students and host hiring events. Students gain brand recognition from day one and enter programs knowing which companies they have the opportunity to work for.
That level of intentionality has helped reshape how we operate. It has not only benefited our students but also helped industries throughout the metro area grow and retain their workforce. Companies are often able to expand here because we can continue to supply the skilled talent they need.
What are some of the most in-demand programs at ATC, and how do these reflect larger industry needs in Georgia and beyond?
A lot of the high-demand industries are identified well by the state of Georgia, which also provides resources to support training in those areas. Cybersecurity continues to be at the top of the list, along with anything related to networking and information security. Skilled trades also remain in high demand.
One partnership we are very proud of is with Microsoft. With so many data centers locating in the metro area, Microsoft is building a data center training facility right on our campus. Students will gain hands-on experience during their program and move directly into employment opportunities.
We also have strong partnerships like the one with Atlanta Gas Light, where we started a gas technician program. It is a short-term training program designed to prepare individuals quickly for careers, and Atlanta Gas Light is actively hiring our graduates. We were recently featured on a news segment highlighting this success.
These partnerships reflect the state’s efforts to support high-demand industries and show how Atlanta Technical College works directly with employers to build the workforce they need.
What are the most pressing challenges facing technical colleges today, and what strategies are in place to navigate potential headwinds?
Securing resources remains a consistent challenge for technical colleges. We continue to navigate this through innovative partnerships and by staying at the forefront of emerging industries to remain competitive.
Another ongoing challenge is overcoming outdated perceptions about technical education. There is still a lingering belief that success requires a bachelor’s degree. While we are seeing a shift in this mindset, it remains important to partner with high schools and expand dual enrollment, helping students and parents see the value of technical education earlier.
Economic challenges also present unique issues. When workforce demand is high, higher wages can sometimes lure students directly into jobs before they complete their education. We emphasize the difference between taking a job and building a career, promoting long-term career preparation and advancement.
Marketing strategies and strong partnerships help us address these challenges by keeping students focused on their career goals from the beginning. Apprenticeship programs are another strategy. For example, we partner with the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta airport, and Georgia Power to offer programs where students are hired and trained simultaneously, allowing them to earn while they learn. These programs support both workforce development and student success.
How is ATC leveraging technology in teaching environments and innovating to improve student outcomes?
Technology, especially AI, is one of those areas where people can either fear it or embrace it as a tool. My background is in mathematics, and I often compare AI to when the scientific calculator was introduced. Initially, there was concern that calculators would prevent real learning, but in reality, they became valuable tools.
We encourage our faculty to view technology and AI as tools to enhance teaching rather than something to fear. Students are encouraged to use technology responsibly to make their future jobs easier and more accessible, rather than worrying about being replaced.
Our training is designed to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring students and graduates are prepared to grow within their industries. No matter what technology emerges in the future, our students will be ready to evolve and continue building successful careers.
What are your top priorities for the next few years?
My top priorities continue to focus on growth and helping Atlanta Technical College reach its full potential. One exciting project is the renovation and expansion of our main campus building, which is nearly 60 years old. Investment in this facility will keep us competitive and provide students with modern, inspiring learning environments.
We are also expanding our transportation and logistics programs. A new facility will soon come online to help train more truck drivers and logistics technicians, which is critical as supply chains continue to grow post-pandemic. These fields offer excellent career pathways and opportunities for economic mobility.
Another internal priority is the development of our “culture of caring” initiative. We are committed to educating the whole person, not just providing technical skills. Workplace essentials, what some call soft skills, are being integrated across campus, starting with faculty and staff and extending to the student body.
By focusing on these areas, we are preparing students not just for their first job but for lifelong growth and adaptability within their industries. Whatever shifts occur in the economy or workforce, our graduates will be positioned to stay relevant and successful.
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