Middle Georgia Metro Area is Leading the State in Work Ready

Today, Melvin Everson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, announced that most of Middle Georgia is work ready certified, and they’re the first metropolitan area in the state to do it. Nearly 9,000 people are currently certified in this region, but the certification process was not an easy one.

“Anyone that puts him or herself through a 3 hour assessment is motivated,” says Everson.

These are exactly the kind of workers that will keep the economy going says Kari Kitchens, Team Leader of the Bibb County Work Ready Team.

“Now that we are a certified region, we certainly make ourselves more competitive to bring industry to Georgia and also retain industries.”

If Governor Nathan Deal signs a proposed house bill, that certification will also be stamped on high school diplomas. Everson and Kitchens agree this addition will be a great resume booster for young adults when they apply for jobs. Chairman Sam Hart, Bibb County Commission, believes that being a part of this work ready region will bump up Bibb County’s business.

“I think it makes us very attractive as a community and when companies are looking to locate, or expand, they look at the workforce and the availability to deliver the people to work in the various capacities at their facilities.”