CobbWorks has received the WorkSource Georgia QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant. This project will strengthen and expand strategic partnerships to support the advancement of building talent pipelines in high-demand, high-wage industries.

The project will target historically marginalized and underserved populations who have been disproportionately impacted.
Implementing several innovative strategies that now have proof of concept as a result of piloting several cohorts over the last two years, WorkSource Cobb will create talent pipelines for employers, expand opportunities for underserved populations and provide true career pathways that improve economic mobility and resilience.

Funding will be used to support several strategic initiatives which utilize employment and training activities, including work-based learning to prepare and place participants in high-quality employment in high-demand sectors and industries.  Some of those initiatives include PowerUp! Pathway Pre-Apprenticeship Program and ReAlign/ReStart Re-Entry Initiative. PowerUp! is a collaborative, customized earn-and-learn model that works in partnership with employers. The program provides cohort-based education, skills training, and career opportunities in high-demand industries that result in industry-recognized credentials.

The program also includes robust soft and hard skills that make participants competitive in the current and future workforce.
ReAlign/ReStart is a re-entry initiative that addresses a critical need within the community. To reduce recidivism, meet the workforce demands and improve employment and educational opportunities for low-income, minority, and justice-involved individuals, ReAlign/ReStart has established a workforce development education, employment, and training program co-located in the Cobb County Jail.  Working in partnership with the Cobb County Sheriff Department, Construction Ready, Chattahoochee Tech, and Cobb Adult Ed., the program will improve incarcerated individuals’ outcomes, raise education and skill levels and create a skilled and talented pipeline for local employers.

Utilizing a collective impact strategy, WorkSource Cobb will deliver a robust economic recovery project for
residents and industries that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted. The project will strengthen critical partnerships, create equity, and provide holistic wrap-around support, work experience, employment placement, and industry-recognized credentials for historically marginalized populations.

The employer information session will be held on January 26, 2023, from 10 A.M. until 11 A.M.  It will be open to any employer who wishes to join the program and upskill their existing cohorts.