Workforce Development in South Georgia

The Locate South Georgia region can boast a trainable workforce that responds quickly to opportunity. Our employers share countless stories of employees with 10, 15, and 20 years of service who began their careers in entry level positions and climbed the ranks to become major decision makers in their company’s operations.

Our region ensures the entry level employees are work-ready through a high-quality network of seven college and career academies and 13 colleges, universities and technical colleges in the region. In fact, no one is further than a 30-minute drive to a technical college or four-year university. Furthermore, the Technical College System of Georgia and University System of Georgia are key allies to Locate South Georgia, providing invaluable input, employee training, and a stable foundation for educating your future workforce. Our talent pool is deep, educated, and hard-working.

Our school systems and higher education institutions are committed to producing a solid labor pool, prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Overview

College and Career Academies

College and Career Academies are crucial in making sure students are prepared for workforce demands.

  • Cairo High School College & Career Academy (Cairo)
  • Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy (Albany)
  • Fitzgerald High School CCA
  • Tift CCA (Tifton)
  • Wiregrass Regional College & Career Academy (Douglas)
  • Worth Co CCA (Sylvester)
  • SOWEGA CCA (Camilla)

Rural Prosperity Centers

Rural Prosperity Centers at Valdosta State University in Valdosta and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, as well as the Georgia Chamber's Center for Rural Prosperity in Tifton, identify needs and opportunities for South Georgia communities, matching faculty, staff, and student resources to address local issues.

Strong Work Ethic

South Georgia’s schools produce well-rounded, competent workers who can get the job done. Our commitment to workforce development is ever mindful. Loyalty and honesty are essential traits for the people of South Georgia, assuring you have a wide range of excellent employees to choose from.

  • Sources: ESRI 2021; Georgia Department of Labor Area Profiles 2019

Employment by Industry

Description 2020 Jobs Unemployment
Government 58,652 170
Retail Trade 30,537 2,235
Healthcare and Social Assistance 29,352 2,475
Manufacturing 27,826 2,145
Accommodations and Food Service 23,275 3,731
Administrative and Support and Waste
Management and Remediation Services
13,670 1,434
Transportation and Warehousing 10,509 810
Wholesale Trade 9,795 489
Construction 9,538 289
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 9,314 195
Other Services (except Public Administration) 9,003 598
Finance and Insurance 6,375 55
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 5,645 114
Information 3,067 107
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 2,649 153

Source: Esri September 2020