About Workforce Development - Clayton County Chamber of Commerce , GA

About Workforce Development

Mission

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

As an accomplished higher education leader with over 15 years of experience in academic administration, student affairs, student engagement, and educational policy, Dr. Royal Baxter’s work is driven by the mission to create opportunities in education for one to not only survive but to thrive. Dr. Baxter holds a Doctor of Education with a concentration in educational leadership from Georgia Southern University and has a strong track record of implementing strategic initiatives that enhance student success and promote academic excellence. A passionate advocate for education and community engagement, Dr. Baxter actively collaborates with education leaders, community leaders, corporate industry leaders, and the business community to create impactful educational experiences. Dr. Baxter is committed to mentorship and community service, believing in the transformative power of education to change lives.

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