March 2026

Workforce Development Newsletter

The workforce development landscape is evolving from introducing students to career paths, manufacturers employing high school students, and an employer poll to shed light on the culture of employee training and time commitment. There’s funding support with announcements regularly empowering organizations to engage in impactful programs such apprenticeships. These initiatives collectively contribute to shaping the workforce to foster a skilled talent pool. Make sure you’re a part of the story.

Can manufacturers employ high school students?

YES! #wblworks



Brayden, Haering Precision

Angela, ALBAform

Tiffany, ZF Group

Javen, ASI Southeast

"Yes, You can hire 16- and 17-Year Olds in Manufacturing"
(and here's why you should)


Hundreds of teens are already thriving in manufacturing roles across our region—legally, safely, and with real support systems backing them.


The conversation around hiring high school students, especially those under 18, usually comes with hesitation, myths, and mixed messages. The truth is that today’s manufacturing environment needs fresh talent and long‑term workforce strategies. It’s a must to combat the rising retirement rate of skilled workers and to capture students before they are out of high school sometimes wandering for years before falling into a career. Many manufacturers are already employing highly motivated students. If you’ve been worried about OSHA rules, insurance, or overall readiness, let’s break down the facts.

Poll: Why do you think employees struggle to make time for training? (Click to select 1)


We want to hear from you! Polls and responses are posted regularly. We are excited to hear your point-of-view on multiple workforce development topics. Thanks for participating!

March 16 is the registration deadline for QCT Apprenticeship that will launch at 
Lanier Tech on April 29 and at North Georgia Tech on May 1. This USDOL-registered apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning (OJT) with technical instruction (RTI), offering a customized training pathway. Curriculum includes: Quality Management Systems, Quality Math, QI Macros & Data Collection, Gage R&R, GD&T, Customer Relations, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Prep.

  • 18-Months to completion
  • Up to three 8-hour class days per month.
  • Cost $12,000 - eligible for up to 83% refund through WIOA, IWT, and grants


 

Congrats High Demand Apprenticeship Program Grant Awardees!

  • Freudenberg NOK (White County)
  • Haering Precision (Hart County)
  • Patterson Pump (Stephens County)

Round 2 FY26 High Demand Apprenticeship Program awardees funds are going to support their Quality Control Technician Apprenticeships. Round 1 HDAP awardees included Hilton Mechanical Contractors and JTEKT.

...and that's a wrap on the 10th Annual Career Path Fair for Gainesville City and Hall County School middle school students!

  • 1,000 + Students
  • 100 + Teachers & Chaperones
  • 40 + Businesses

The Career Path Fair was interactive providing students insight into various career paths with the opportunity to network with local professionals in their areas of interest.



Workforce Strategies Group LLC is proud to organize this multi-school, multi-location, multi-day event. Until next year...

 

Mar 16: Forms due for QCT Apprenticeship

Mar 17: Foothills GA SHRM: "AI in the Workplace"

Apr 2: Greater Hall Chamber JOB FAIR

Apr 2: Hart County Industrial Roundtable

Apr 21: Foothills GA SHRM: Spring Social

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Reach out to us to collaborate to realize your skilled workforce. Workforce Development Consultants specializing in training, development, career pathing, and apprenticeship - all with a niche in manufacturing for northeast Georgia.