News Summary
Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Dalton State College will host the inaugural Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit to address the region’s economic and workforce needs. The event, featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, aims to improve workforce competitiveness in light of projected job growth. Admission is free, with advanced registration required. The summit will highlight key regional high-demand careers and seek to align education with the needs of employers.
Dalton, Georgia – Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit to Address Economic and Workforce Needs
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and Dalton State College are set to host the inaugural Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit on August 22, commencing at 8:30 a.m. The summit will take place at Gignilliat Hall located at 650 College Drive in Dalton. The primary goal of this event is to bring together educators, business leaders, and community partners to devise strategies for improving the region’s economic and workforce competitiveness.
Keynote speakers for the event will include Sonny Perdue, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, and Greg Dozier, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. Their opening remarks will emphasize the critical role higher education plays in meeting the evolving workforce requirements in Georgia. According to the President of Dalton State, John Fuchko III, the Northwest Georgia region is projected to see the creation of over 20,000 new jobs in the next ten years, highlighting the urgent necessity for a well-trained workforce.
Summit Programming and Focus Areas
The summit will feature a variety of programming, including panel discussions, informative presentations, and interactive sessions led by regional industry experts. Key topics will cover emerging workforce trends, educational partnerships, as well as strategies for talent development and retention. An opportunity for collaborative discussion will be provided during a lunch session that encourages roundtable discussions among participants.
The event also offers an optional networking session on August 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Gignilliat Hall, allowing attendees to connect ahead of the formal summit activities.
Free Participation and Registration Details
While admission to the summit is free, it is essential for interested participants to register in advance due to limited seating. More information and registration can be accessed through the website of Dalton State College at daltonstate.edu/workforce-summit.
Regional Workforce Trends and High-Demand Careers
In December, Governor Brian Kemp announced a unified high-demand career list that targets alignment between educational programs and the needs of state employers in Georgia. The specific regional high-demand career list for Northwest Georgia includes high-growth job sectors such as education, engineering, manufacturing, health science, construction, and transportation/logistics. Additional demand exists for positions in financial services, public safety, energy, human services, information technology, and marketing.
The Vice President of Marketing Communications and Workforce Development at Dalton State noted that the high-demand career list serves as a crucial resource for educational institutions, helping them to develop responsive programs tailored for both employers’ needs and students’ aspirations. Furthermore, articulation agreements have been established, allowing students to start their education with associate degrees at GNTC and later transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at either Dalton State or Georgia Highlands College.
Conclusion
The Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit represents a significant initiative to address the pressing workforce needs in the region and promote collaboration among key stakeholders in education and industry. By focusing on emerging trends and skilled workforce development, the summit aims to boost the economic health of Northwest Georgia for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit Announcement
- Wikipedia: Workforce Development
- Dalton State College and GNTC Host Summit
- Google Search: Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit
- Discover Dade – Workforce Summit Details
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development Trends
- Calhoun Times: Workforce Summit News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce
- Rome City Commission Sales Tax Vote
- Google News: Dalton State College
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
