Georgia's Powering Educational Leaders

Education + Workforce Development = Talent

In today’s business environment, alignment between education and workforce development is critical when thinking about a community’s talent pool. The inaugural Georgia Superintendents’ Workforce Leadership Academy will help do just that.

Sponsored by Georgia Power in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, this program supported 19 school superintendents from across the state of Georgia in their efforts to connect their school systems and students to workforce development opportunities in their districts.

On October 13th, I joined Joseph Lillyblad, Georgia Power Workforce Development Program Manager, and shared best practices in workforce development, highlighted what companies prioritize when recruiting, and emphasized the benefits of experiential learning.

We explored how understanding regional skillset needs and preparing students for in-demand jobs can make a real difference. Our discussion covered top decision factors for companies—energy availability, quality of life, construction costs, broadband, labor costs, skilled labor, and transportation—and underscored the importance of workforce and local partnerships.

Data-Driven Strategies

The critical role of workforce data in project success was also stressed. These include metrics like workforce size, skillset, cost, talent pipeline, and competition for talent. Superintendents were encouraged to collaborate regionally, offer in-demand certifications, and enhance career readiness through exposure and partnerships.

We talked about how certifications such as Microsoft, HVAC, EMT, CPR, and even having a driver’s license are increasingly vital for job readiness and basic screenings. By bringing valuable credentials and certifications into high schools, we can help students secure direct hires—whether they enter the workforce immediately or work while pursuing higher education.

Some superintendents expressed surprise at the number of manufacturing companies relocating and expanding in Georgia this year, as well as the volume of active companies considering Georgia that were in manufacturing. They found the opportunities in providing certifications, and the visibility of real-time job listings particularly enlightening.

The data sparked lively discussions, and many participants showed genuine interest in collaborating and sharing best practices with their peers.

In Conclusion

Overall, the day inspired all to learn, listen, and envision new possibilities. We connected business recruitment trends to the innovative changes these educational leaders can create within their schools.

As participants continue with the program over the next six months, we’re excited to discover how these partnerships can deepen and allow our state to continue to grow and thrive.

About Us

Georgia Power’s Economic Development team supports job growth and investment across Georgia by driving industry recruitment, community development, and innovative solutions in every corner of the state. The team collaborates with partners at every level, including workforce development and education professionals.

The team operates from the Georgia Experience Center at Georgia Tech’s Centergy Building, which fosters synergy among economic development organizations and helps both locate and retain companies in Georgia’s most important economic sectors.