Burgess

THOMASVILLE, Ga. – Thomas County Schools and Thomasville City Schools have partnered with the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce in an effort to enlist young adults within the local job force.

On Sept. 6, representatives from area businesses and industries will have the opportunity to meet students who have registered for their school’s Great Promise Partnership, through the work-based learning program. A student/employee summit will be held 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the chamber, located at 401 S. Broad St.

“This event will help educate our business/industry community about Great Promise Partnership and give them a chance to meet our students who are ready to work,” said Michelle Ausley, Thomas County Central High School WBL coordinator.

Students, who are registered for their school’s program, have successfully completed the detailed application process. Both programs will bring a group of students to the summit, in order for them to meet potential employers.

“These students have shown great potential,” said Shamane Taylor, Thomasville High School WBL coordinator.

Georgia continues to have high unemployment rates, even though many businesses have jobs they cannot fill, event organizers explained. The program gives business owners the opportunity to train their future workforce and students the chance to put into practice the skills learned in their Career Technical and Agricultural Education, or CTAE, classes.

Businesses willing to employ high school students through this program also will be eligible for insurance discounts, under House Bill 402, organizers said. HB 402 allows insurance providers to offer up to a 5 percent reduction (capped at $2,500) in workers’ compensation premiums for employers of WBL students.

For more information, to make reservations, or to participate in the summit, call (229) 226-9600 by Aug. 23.