State Launches Pilot Program to Grow Logistics Industry Workforce

Savannah, February 17, 2015 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development's Workforce and Center of Innovation for Logistics divisions joined forces with the Coastal Workforce Investment Board and Savannah Technical College to launch the Fast Track Coastal Initiative today. This cooperative training program was designed to prepare students for careers within Georgia's rapidly growing logistics industry.

'The Fast Track Coastal Initiative is an excellent example of the innovative workforce development efforts taking place across the state,' said Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Ben Hames. 'Pilot programs like this one hold real promise and will help foster the highly skilled workforce that Georgia's growing companies need.'

The 26 students who enrolled in the Fast Track Coastal Initiative will participate in an eight-week course at Savannah Technical College. More than 50 leading warehousing and logistics companies from across the state provided input to establish the curriculum for the program. Following the eight-week course, each student who successfully completes the program will receive a Fast Track Warehousing and Logistics certificate and have the opportunity to participate in at least two job interviews for positions at the participating logistics companies, helping to accelerate their careers in the industry.

'We anticipate major growth to continue within Georgia's logistics industry – especially with the continued growth of the Port of Savannah,' said Director for the Center of Innovation for Logistics Jannine Miller. 'Programs like this one further the Center's mission of helping the logistics industry find the talent they need to compete and grow.'

The Fast Track Costal Initiative is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which addresses employment and training needs of dislocated workers, low-income adults and youth to assist Georgia businesses in meeting workforce needs of today and the future. The Workforce division administers WIA funds throughout 19 local workforce investment areas across the state. Area 20, Georgia's coastal region, is responsible for the management and recruitment of students that participate in the Fast Track Coastal Initiative.

'Through this program, we are seeking to address the employment needs in Georgia's coastal region while securing a trained workforce in the growing logistics industry,' said Executive Director of Coastal Workforce Services Odie Donald.  'We anticipate this pilot program growing, as we already have more than 50 participants on a waiting list for future courses.'

Visit www.workforce.georgia.org to learn more about the 19 Local Workforce Investment Areas and about the Workforce Division.

Learn more about the Center of Innovation for Logistics at www.GeorgiaLogistics.com.