WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
A group of concerned citizens met recently met to find out more about workforce development opportunities for Jones County youth.
James Bland welcomed attendees of the June 14 meeting that was held at St. Paul AME Church on Lite-N-Tie Road in Gray. Bland said the topic of job placement came up at a previous meeting of the Jones County Board of Commissioners, and he was given the names of some contacts.
Darrell Stillings was one of those contacts, and he agreed to come to Jones County to talk about WorkSource Georgia. Stillings is the Executive Director of WorkSource Middle Georgia Consortium, which covers an 11-county area.
Stillings said WorkSource is a federal program under the Department of Labor with the purpose of strengthening the workforce and putting people to work. He said the program includes adult education.
The speaker said the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act was signed into law in 2014, and resources are allocated through the Technical College System of Georgia. The regional contract is with Central Georgia Technical College.
Stillings said the WIOA funding streams are adult, youth and dislocated workers. The program services low-income individuals.
Jones County Commission Chairman Chris Weidner is a member of the Middle Georgia Workforce Development Board. He said the program can change lives.
Stillings said the program works with employers to serve individuals, veterans and those with low income.
He said the program has no marketing budget, and people find out about it by word of mouth. The speaker said those accepted into the program can have their education paid for in high-demand careers and get help with childcare and transportation.
“It’s a good program. We put more people through truck driving school last year than any other program.” Stillings said.
Jones County Family Connection Coordinator Joy Carr, who is also a board member, said there are many packages that can be put together to help students. She said the Work Based Learning Program at Jones County High School also works with students.
For more information about WorkSource, Stillings can be reached by calling 478-9534771 or by email at dstillings@mgwib.com. The program’s website is www.mgwib.com.
