Workforce development through education and training is a critical need for economic development in Southern Georgia. Statistics show that a high poverty, low diversity region can turn away both potential employers and a potential workforce. Low literacy and educational attainment can cripple the attempts at industry diversification towards high skill/high wage job growth. If higher paying industries are to be recruited to the region, then higher skilled employees must be trained and made available. Education and training are recognized as critical needs.

Fortunately, there are a number of regionally significant programs available that are making a difference in the lives of educated and/or untrained workers in the region, and the CEDS Committee has recognized several opportnities for growth and development of the workforce.

In an effort to utilize available programs and resources, the region will market Technical Colleges and Workforce Development Programs in the area and the resources they have available. Programs such as the Hope Career Grant and Great Promise Partnership give students options, but many of them are unaware of the resources available.

​Connecting students with resources will help to develop a competent workforce, and also incentivize the younger generation to stay local by recognizing the opportunities available to them.

Through the analysis of the economy and recognizing clusters of industry, the region can continue to develop a beneficial and productive workforce. In order for the economy to thrive, it is critical that a skilled, prepared, diverse workforce accommodates the needs of the region.

Objectives

• Develop a well trained professional, technical, and skilled workforce capable of accommodating new industry and maintaining existing industry.

• Create and maintain long-term, meaningful employment opportunities sufficient to establish a sound and balanced economic base in which average per capita income and employment levels are consistently comparable to those of the State and Nation.

• Launch Workforce initiatives to align training and educational opportunities to target industries for critical, in-demand occupations.

• Improve efforts to prepare workers for available jobs.

Metrics

• Number of jobs created/retained after implementation of the CEDS

• Number of industry recognized certificates issued for specific training programs

• Number of students in career and technical education programs that are linked to in-demand jobs

• Number of workers trained, placed, or otherwise impacted by workforce sector initiatives