Alan Powell

Last week, Gov. Deal announced the launch of a new skilled labor advancement initiative, “Go Build Georgia.” The program will address the skilled labor shortage in our state through public outreach designed to educate young people and the public at large about the wage, lifestyle and employment benefits in the skilled labor trades. The governor said “Go Build Georgia” will open new opportunities for our students and job seekers. Over the next year, 16,500 projected jobs will become available in the industries that rely on skilled labor. The program will assist in getting Georgians the skills they need to fill these employment opportunities. 

Although Georgia’s unemployment rate declined for the third straight month in December to 9.7 percent, if was still the 53^rd consecutive month that our state has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which currently stands at 8.5 percent. Growing job opportunities remains a top priority. Therefore, “Go Build Georgia” is receiving a more positive reaction as a beneficial program for our state, as compared to the much-ridiculed “Go Fish Georgia” of years past. For more information, visit www.gobuildgeorgia.com.