More than 300 workforce development professionals completed training courses at the 2017 WorkSource Georgia WIOA Convening, which the Institute of Government coordinated in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

The WorkSource Georgia Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Convening, a two-day conference held July 19–20 in Duluth, featured plenary sessions and workshops designed to enhance workforce professionals’ understanding of effective ways to train a strong and reliable workforce to meet employers’ needs.

WIOA, the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, helps states establish workforce development systems to prepare people for high-demand occupations, such as welding, nursing and truck driving. Programs in Georgia are administered by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Workforce Division.

The conference provides critical training for workforce professionals throughout the state, according to Ben Hames, deputy commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

“The Second Annual WorkSource Georgia WIOA Convening provided a great opportunity for our partners to come together for sharing best practices and developing strategies to ensure that Georgians receive the very best training available to meet the workforce needs of business,” Hames said.

In addition to coordination and technical assistance, Institute faculty members delivered four training sessions at the conference on topics such as demographics, building partnerships, diversity and customer service.