Over the past five years, the State of Georgia has focused efforts on economic development and has done a tremendous job of attracting industry to the state. Now, as we look to the future, questions arise about how we continue to maintain the same level of success. One of the challenges born from a strong economy is the continued lack of skilled workforce. We have heard this theme time and time again, specifically within the construction industry. But, as the Georgia economy booms, what is the state doing to connect its economic development efforts with its workforce development initiatives? And, more importantly, what can we do to change the perceptions and encourage today’s youth to explore careers in manufacturing, logistics, construction and other related trades?
As has been the case for years now, businesses are having a hard time finding the right talent for the job. As the years pass, the strain to find talent becomes more real and businesses are left frustrated and unable to perform to their potential. Creating programs that boost workforce readiness are essential to the State’s future, and at RKR, we have seen first‐hand the impact on individual’s lives when the training meets opportunity and a career is born.
It is time for a shift in thinking. As the state works to connect businesses in need with programs that train workforce, we need to look to change the way we think and encourage kids to consider opportunities outside of a four‐year college education. At RKR, we are partnering in our local community to help connect these businesses to workforce development programs at The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and reaching out in the communities to promote the lucrative careers born from mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other such trades. These jobs serve an important need and deserve more funding and attention nationwide. TCSG has done a great job of getting creative and looking for ways to offer unconventional ways to provide training where potential job candidates may have barriers keeping them from committing to a two‐year degree. In fact, the HOPE Career Grant offers tuition‐free technical college enrollment in high‐demand programs. Reaching kids early, in high school, and connecting them with potential college alternatives and career opportunities helps capture those kids who otherwise may be unable to afford or uninterested in a traditional four‐year college degree.
While we are only scratching the surface, we must all unite to help contribute to a brighter future for Georgia. Without skilled labor, industry will be forced to leave our great State. Educate yourself on the possibilities by learning more about TCSG or the Center for Workforce Innovation at Atlanta Technical College. Every day Georgia is actively working to connect potential workers with new opportunities, and many of these opportunities lie within your local communities. At RKR, we will remain invested in moving this initiative forward and being a part of the solution for a better tomorrow.
As has been the case for years now, businesses are having a hard time finding the right talent for the job. As the years pass, the strain to find talent becomes more real and businesses are left frustrated and unable to perform to their potential. Creating programs that boost workforce readiness are essential to the State’s future, and at RKR, we have seen first‐hand the impact on individual’s lives when the training meets opportunity and a career is born.
It is time for a shift in thinking. As the state works to connect businesses in need with programs that train workforce, we need to look to change the way we think and encourage kids to consider opportunities outside of a four‐year college education. At RKR, we are partnering in our local community to help connect these businesses to workforce development programs at The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and reaching out in the communities to promote the lucrative careers born from mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other such trades. These jobs serve an important need and deserve more funding and attention nationwide. TCSG has done a great job of getting creative and looking for ways to offer unconventional ways to provide training where potential job candidates may have barriers keeping them from committing to a two‐year degree. In fact, the HOPE Career Grant offers tuition‐free technical college enrollment in high‐demand programs. Reaching kids early, in high school, and connecting them with potential college alternatives and career opportunities helps capture those kids who otherwise may be unable to afford or uninterested in a traditional four‐year college degree.
While we are only scratching the surface, we must all unite to help contribute to a brighter future for Georgia. Without skilled labor, industry will be forced to leave our great State. Educate yourself on the possibilities by learning more about TCSG or the Center for Workforce Innovation at Atlanta Technical College. Every day Georgia is actively working to connect potential workers with new opportunities, and many of these opportunities lie within your local communities. At RKR, we will remain invested in moving this initiative forward and being a part of the solution for a better tomorrow.
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