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 31,028 907
Transportation and Material Moving 26,966 1,373
Sales 25,436 766
Food Preparation and Serving 21,268 1,124
Production and Manufacturing 20,685 745
Education, Training, and Library Occupations 19,130 237
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 16,281 181
Management 15,207 234
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair 13,403 217
Healthcare Support 10,816 303
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance 10,780 559
Construction and Extraction Occupations 9,824 490
Business and Financial Operations 8,486 213
Personal Care and Service 7,633 215
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 7,267 513
Protective Service 6,828 199
Community and Social Service 4,497 73
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media 2,522 49
Architecture and Engineering 2,362 32
Computer and Mathematical Occupations 2,306 54
Life, Physical, and Social Sciences 1,384 27
Legal Occupations 1,084 6

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