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 2022; Georgia Department of Labor Area Profiles 2022

Employment by Industry

Description 2023 Jobs Unemployment
Office and Administrative Support 30,767 892
Transportation and Material Moving 26,724 1,363
Sales 25,183 755
Food Preparation and Serving 21,090 1,118
Production and Manufacturing 20,492 737
Education, Training, and Library Occupations 18,939 227
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 16,217 178
Management 15,003 225
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair 13,312 213
Healthcare Support 10,759 301
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance 10,695 556
Construction and Extraction Occupations 9,766 488
Business and Financial Operations 8,411 210
Personal Care and Service 7,556 212
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 7,175 509
Protective Service 6,740 195
Community and Social Service 4,461 71
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media 2,501 48
Architecture and Engineering 2,348 31
Computer and Mathematical Occupations 2,284 53
Life, Physical, and Social Sciences 1,374 27
Legal Occupations 1,072 5

Sources: Esri May 2023; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics