About Workforce Development - Clayton County Chamber of Commerce , GA

About Workforce Development

To strengthen Clayton County’s talent pipeline by building employer-driven programs that connect residents to career opportunities, support business growth, and foster inclusive economic mobility.

Our Strategic Priorities
1. Talent Pipeline Development
- Focus on youth, unemployed adults, and underemployed residents.
- Increase access to training, credentials, and employment pathways.
2. Employer Engagement & Sector Partnerships
- Position the Chamber as a connector between businesses and talent solutions.
- Launch targeted initiatives in high-growth sectors (e.g., logistics, healthcare, trades).
3. Workforce System Alignment
- Launch formal strategic partnerships with K-12, post-secondary institutions, and training providers
- Align local education and training offerings with employer needs
4. Capacity Building
- Develop internal staffing and infrastructure to lead workforce efforts.
- Secure sustainable funding through grants, sponsorships, and public/private partnerships.
5. Data-Driven Impact
- Establish metrics to track program participation, job placement, and economic outcomes.
- Use labor market data to guide program development and policy advocacy.
3-Year Plan
Year 1: Foundation & Early Wins

Focus Areas:

• Pilot programs

• Capacity expansion

• Visibility and trust

Key Initiatives

• Workforce Needs Assessment in partnership with university, local employers

• Launch a Pilot Program targeting 2025 high school graduates not enrolled in college

• Employer Roundtables to identify hiring pain points and skill gaps

• Hire Senior Level Workforce Development Staff and identify key roles

• Formalize Partnerships with school systems, technical colleges, and nonprofits

• Secure Startup Funding through local government, foundations, or corporate sponsorships

Year 2: Expansion & Infrastructure

Focus Areas:

• Scaling programs

• Deepening partnerships

• Advancing systems change

Key Initiatives:

• Expand pilot into full Customer Service or Soft Skills Training Academy

• Launch industry-led sector partnerships in logistics, healthcare, or manufacturing

• Begin tracking job placement, retention, and wage outcomes

• Apply for state/federal workforce grants (WIOA, Perkins V alignment)

• Develop a Workforce Advisory Council composed of business and education leaders

• Integrate transportation and wraparound services for jobseekers through partnerships IV.

Year 3: Regional Leadership & Impact Focus Areas:

• Policy influence

• Data and outcomes

• Sustainability Key Initiatives:

• Host a Clayton County Workforce Summit

• Publish an Annual Workforce Impact Report

• Support policy efforts tied to childcare, transit, and broadband

• Expand employer base and replicate training models across sectors

• Position the Chamber as a workforce convener for regional economic development

3. Year 3: Regional Leadership & Impact

Focus Areas:

• Policy influence

• Data and outcomes

• Sustainability

Key Initiatives:

• Host a Clayton County Workforce Summit

• Publish an Annual Workforce Impact Report

• Support policy efforts tied to childcare, transit, and broadband

• Expand employer base and replicate training models across sectors

• Position the Chamber as a workforce convener for regional economic development

Dr. Royal Baxter
Workforce Development Director
Email: rbaxter@claytonchamber.org

- https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:97436846-867d-44ea-b404-f81c58906b96