By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Workforce development in spotlight
Placeholder Image
Riceboro City Council member Chris Stacy shared the early results of his city’s efforts to put young people to work during Thursday’s mid-month county commission meeting. Through the Summer Youth Training program, teens living in Riceboro are placed in summer jobs to learn about the workplace and explore future career options.
According to Stacy, more than 200 youth live in the city, making up roughly one-third of the total population of Riceboro. Stacy said through participating in the program, “at an early age they can learn what they want to do.”
The “learn to earn” program has placed teens with Chemtall, Liberty County government offices and road work crews. Last week, the participants went through an orientation, and from here out they’ll give weekly reports on their experiences.
The program is funded by the city of Riceboro and officials are collaborating with workforce development to expand it.
“We would like to spread this program throughout the county,” Stacy said. “We think we can get more children off the street. I’m an advocate for youth — it’s something near and dear to my heart.”
In keeping with the work preparedness theme, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kenny Smiley asked Commission Chairman John McIver and Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas to sign a proclamation declaring July 24 “Certified Work Ready Day.”
The Georgia Work Ready Initiative has been led by the chamber of commerce in cooperation with Savannah Technical College for nearly a year. On July 24, the chamber will sponsor an opportunity for area employees and jobseekers to take the free Work Ready assessment and receive one of three levels of certification.
Smiley expects Liberty County to be certified as a Work Ready community this fall.
Sign up for our e-newsletters