Existing Industry Tours
In Brunswick and Glynn County, workforce development is first on the list – not only for the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority but also for the area’s existing industries.
Each semester, several of the larger existing industries open their doors to students from the Golden Isles Career Academy so they can see what modern manufacturing is really like.
Supporting Workforce Development
Aging workforce is one of the few universal challenges existing industries face. The top-talent, with the most experience, are at the phase in their career where they’re about to retire. Companies are consistently wondering how they’re going to replace all of that experience.
Several of Glynn County’s existing industries meet together on a quarterly basis at the “Manufacturers Round Table” to discuss issues that are relevant to the group. Without question, the one thing they all agree on is that they need to somehow be involved with developing the future workforce. Industry Tours are what they came up with.
How the Industry Tours Work
Industry Leaders are just like anyone else, they have a job to do and they want to be home by five. For those companies who choose to participate in an Industry Tour, we, the Development Authority, handle all the work and coordinate with the local school system. All the company is required to do is have a few of their staff available to show the kids around.
The existing industries are in charge and have several requests and guidelines. We, the economic developers, have to make sure they happen accordingly. Typically, the tours last one to two hours and accommodate 20 to 25 students. We have some rather solid social media channels and good relationships with the local press so we always make sure our existing industries get credit for their contributions.
To date, we’ve only had students from the local technical high school, the Golden Isles Career Academy, but in the future we will open the tours up to students at the Coastal Pines Technical College, the College of Coastal Georgia, and even the local Middle School.
Industry Leaders and Educators – It’s Imperative They Know Each Other
One of the biggest benefits of having Industry Tours is that it gives industry leaders and educators the opportunity to meet.
- Industry leaders can call and ask for “the best” students
- Educators know first-hand the skills required for local jobs
Towards the end of the Summer, we plan to have our third-quarter “Manufacturers Round Table” and invite industry leaders (and their star employees), educators, and school counselors to discuss job opportunities that exist in the technical trades.
Many of our local companies have employees that have a tremendous amount of experience. It’s not uncommon for them to have employees with 30+ years of experience. School counselors, who are in charge of giving advice to students on career and education opportunities, need to know and understand the value of these jobs and that a technical education is a great choice for students.
Adding Value for Existing Industries
As Economic Developers, we’re constantly trying to find ways to add value to our existing industries. Industry Tours actually seem to be a rather simple way to do just that.
For an investment of about 2 hours once or twice a year, local companies are able to give back to the community in a very meaningful way.
Your larger industries can’t just pick up and leave. To a large degree, they’re committed to your area and their success is tied to the local workforce. Industry Tours are an easy and meaningful way for your existing industries to be involved.
