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Nearly 7 million American jobs went unfilled in February, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, and experts say a lack of qualified candidates is a key reason. In South Georgia, where leaders have described the region as a “vocational education desert,” new efforts are underway to expand job training opportunities for high school students and build a stronger local workforce pipeline.
The WIN College and Career Academy is set to launch this fall, serving high school students across South Georgia, including districts such as Valdosta City Schools, Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, and Lanier school systems. The program will be open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, aiming to give students earlier access to career training.
“Why not invest in and train those students now so we can go ahead and get a head start and pipeline them into our local industries,” said Jason Van Nus, incoming CEO of WIN College and Career Academy.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will help connect high school coursework with college-level training. Initial program areas will include emergency medical technicians, phlebotomy and hospitality, which leaders say align with workforce needs across the region.
“We want those students to have an opportunity to be able to graduate not only with their high school diploma, but then also to be able to walk away with a skill set that’s going to lead them into a high skilled, high wage career,” said Deannia Clements, President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
Workforce training expansion is also happening elsewhere in the region. Last week, Southern Regional Technical College opened a new industrial technology building in Moultrie to expand hands-on training for skilled trades. The building will be home to seven programs, including welding, air conditioning technology and electrical systems technology.
Leaders say reaching students as early as 10th grade can help create more opportunities closer to home and encourage graduates to stay in the region.
“We love to have our talent stay here. They’re already connected in the community, so they’re passionate about caring for those around them. And then they get the opportunity to do that,” said Erika Bennett, Vice President of Marketing and Network Development at South Georgia Medical Center.
Leaders behind WIN say the goal is not only to add programs, but to expand what is possible for students across South Georgia. More pathways are expected as the program grows, including manufacturing and construction, with additional pathways expected to follow in 2027.
