Whitfield workforce development in spotlight

As they study how public schools can better prepare their children for work, Georgia Department of Education employees are going to watch Whitfield County.

The county’s school system is one of five participating in the launch of the Economic Development Partnership program. The initiative is supposed to help build stronger ties between local employers and school systems, Department of Education spokeswoman Meghan Frick said. The hope? With close partnerships, school officials can figure out how to train students to fill open jobs in their communities.

In addition to Whitfield County, the Department of Education is partnering with Newton County, Muscogee County, Wayne County and Marietta City Schools. The programs are not getting any extra money. The state’s education leaders hope they can learn “best practices” and take them to other counties.

“We did specifically look for systems doing good work,” Frick said. “It’s an honor and recognition for Whitfield County Schools.”

For years, Whitfield County Schools spokesman Eric Beavers said, the system has offered a traditional career academy. Students attended typical classes for half a day, then took courses in their areas of expertise, such as health care science or cooking.

But last fall, the county launched the Advanced Manufacturing and Business Academy. Participants go to traditional classes for two days a week. The other three days, they apprentice at local businesses.

The students take entry-level manufacturing and support jobs, for pay. They may also get fulltime jobs over the summer or after they graduate. Four carpet companies are participating: Beaulieu America, J&J Flooring, Mohawk Industries and Shaw Industries.

At least one student from last year’s program got a full-time job this year, Beavers said. That student also is going to college, with the company helping to pay for classes.