In June 2023, seven graduates from Whitfield County and Dalton Public Schools celebrated their first full-time job opportunities after completing Project Purpose, a two-week workforce training program for high school graduates interested in careers with Whitfield County’s leading manufacturers, organized by the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, Believe Greater Dalton (BGD), and the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority (JDA). This program aimed to prepare students who did not plan to attend post-secondary education and was sponsored by thirteen local companies and industries. The program included a variety of educational sessions, industry tours, and personal development training, culminating in successful job interviews for all seven students.
During the program, students received training in areas such as professionalism, work ethics, communication, and conflict management. They also learned about various industries, toured manufacturing facilities, and received support in creating resumes. On the final day, all students interviewed with multiple companies and received job offers. A community celebration was held at the end of the program to announce the students’ employment placements, marking the successful completion of the program, with some students choosing to pursue further education based on their experiences.
Read more about the students’ experiences with Project Purpose, here: Project Purpose students sign full-time commitments with 5 employers. To learn more about this successful workforce initiative, contact Stephani Womack ([email protected]) or Ali Harp ([email protected]).
