Atlanta, GA, October 22, 2025
News Summary
At the third annual Governor’s Workforce Summit, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Georgia’s business growth and workforce training initiatives. With over $26 billion in investments, the state aims to address workforce shortages through various programs, including medical education and the Georgia Match program. New initiatives like the Georgia Career Navigator and the Top State for Talent Act focus on improving collaboration between education and workforce systems while targeting rural communities. These efforts signify Georgia’s commitment to enhancing economic stability and fostering business growth.
Atlanta, GA – During the third annual Governor’s Workforce Summit, Gov. Brian Kemp emphasized Georgia’s significant business growth and initiatives aimed at training a skilled workforce. For the 12th consecutive year, Georgia has been recognized as the top state for business by Area Development magazine in 2025. This continuous recognition underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for businesses.
Kemp highlighted that Georgia achieved over $26 billion in investments across various communities as part of ongoing economic development projects. However, he acknowledged the persistent challenges of a workforce shortage, which impacts the ability to fill essential positions in the state. To combat this issue, Kemp pointed out that during his tenure, the state has invested $675 million in medical education, including the establishment of a new dentistry school at the University of Georgia.
The demand for healthcare professionals is projected to surge significantly, with estimates suggesting that by 2035, Georgia will need to fill an additional 240,000 healthcare jobs. To address this need, Kemp has emphasized the importance of strategic investments in education and workforce development.
In 2023, Kemp announced that the Georgia Match program successfully placed nearly 25,000 students who previously considered higher education unattainable into classrooms. Additionally, the state introduced the Top State for Talent Act, which aims to improve collaboration between education and workforce systems, creating accessible career pathways for all Georgians.
A new initiative, the Georgia Career Navigator, was unveiled to assist students and job seekers in planning their educational and career trajectories. Kemp has particularly targeted rural communities, which face significant challenges in industries like timber, with the goal of inspiring ninth graders to consider their future careers and providing adults the opportunity to acquire new skills.
A notable investment of $1 million will enhance workforce capacity in construction and manufacturing at technical schools across Georgia. In addition, the Technical College System of Georgia has received a two-year grant from the BlackRock Foundation for workforce development programs. More than $700,000 from this grant will be allocated to the “Last Mile Fund,” aimed at relieving financial burdens for students.
The remaining funds are designated for Training on the Go, enabling students to earn credentials for high-demand fields while attending classes. Moreover, the Empowerment Fund, developed through the grant, intends to expand pre-apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing and construction sectors.
The Georgia Association of Manufacturers is launching a digital platform to connect job seekers with job postings, apprenticeships, and training programs, aiming to attract a larger workforce. According to a 2024 Georgia Chamber of Commerce survey, 62% of business executives indicated that workforce shortages are their primary concern, leading to increasing urgency for effective workforce development solutions.
Overall, Governor Kemp’s initiatives signal a proactive approach to address workforce challenges, foster business growth, and enhance economic stability throughout Georgia.
FAQ
What is the main focus of the Governor’s Workforce Summit?
During the third annual Governor’s Workforce Summit, Gov. Brian Kemp discussed business growth in Georgia and efforts to train the next generation.
How much investment has Georgia achieved in economic development projects?
Georgia achieved over $26 billion in investments across communities as part of economic development projects.
What significant legislation did Gov. Kemp sign to improve workforce education?
In May, Kemp signed the Top State for Talent Act to enhance collaboration between education and workforce systems for accessible career pathways for all Georgians.
What percentage of business executives are concerned about workforce shortages?
According to a 2024 Georgia Chamber of Commerce survey, 62% of business executives identified workforce shortages as their primary concern.
Key Features of Workforce Development Initiatives
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment in Education | $675 million invested in medical education including new dentistry school. |
| Project Funding | $26 billion investment in economic development projects. |
| Georgia Match Program | Placed nearly 25,000 students into classrooms. |
| New Initiatives | Georgia Career Navigator to help job seekers with career planning. |
| Funding for Technical Schools | $1 million investment to increase workforce capacity. |
| Digital Platform Launch | Georgia Association of Manufacturers to showcase job postings and training. |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- AJC
- Business Record
- Northwest Georgia News
- Wikipedia: Workforce Development
- Google Search: Economic Development in Georgia
- Google Scholar: Georgia Workforce Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Google News: Georgia Workforce
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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