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August 5, 2008 - The Union Towns Employer Committee and other members of the business community recently met at North Georgia Technical College for the August 2008 Lunch and Learn event. Union County Work Base Learning Program Coordinator Tim Grizzle and Towns County Work Base Learning Program Coordinator Mitzie Holloway were guest speakers.

Tim and Mitzie gave an interesting presentation. These two dedicated educators have many goals but the main one is to prepare Union and Towns high school students for careers. Mitzie says, “There comes a time when there’s no substitute for on the job training. The Work Base Learning Program is a win-win situation. It’s good for the schools, the students, the employers, and the community.”

According to the handouts, “Youth Apprenticeship is a structured combination of school-based and work-based learning. Through a coordinated effort involving business and industry, Youth Apprenticeship addresses the dual of preparing students for the world of work and providing Georgia with a highly skilled, technologically competitive workforce. The program enables a student to receive a high school diploma, a post-secondary certificate or degree, and certification of industry-recognized competencies applicable to employment in a high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand occupation.”

High school students benefit by establishing a clear connection between education and work, by receiving increased motivation, and receiving opportunities to explore possible careers. Students develop workplace responsibility, develop positive work habits, receive opportunities for leadership, learn from skilled professionals, and earn progressive pay while still in high school.

Employers benefit in many ways including a reduction in costs for recruitment and training, increased employee retention, and increased involvement in the curriculum development process.

Schools benefit by keeping academic curriculum up-to-date, enhancing education’s ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population, and increased student retention.

The community benefits by receiving an informed, competent, and productive future workforce, increased cooperation between education and business, and a foundation for a more productive local economy.

During the August Lunch and Learn event, guests were welcomed to North Georgia Technical College by Steve Dougherty, Interim President of NGTC. He spoke a few words about the future of NGTC. Employer Committee Vice Chairman Sonny Mahan introduced Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Williams. Williams said a few words about Chamber activities, and then introduced guest speakers. Everyone enjoyed a tasty lunch catered by Grinds and Glazes.

The new Lunch & Learn events are part of expanding opportunities available to members of the Union Towns Employer Committee and the Chamber of Commerce. Partnering with the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce and the Towns County Chamber of Commerce, the Employer Committee brings exciting and knowledgeable guest speakers together with local business representatives from Union and Towns counties.

The Union Towns Employer Committee Lunch & Learn events are informative, fun, and a great way to get in some friendly networking during lunch. Held every other month at various locations in Towns and Union counties, interested employers are encouraged to attend. Membership provides the opportunity for informational sessions on issues directly affecting day to day business operations.

The next Lunch and Learn is scheduled for October 7, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker will be Ron Simmons, Area Director of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. The event will be held at beautiful Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, Georgia. For more information or to be added to the contact list, call Fran Reilly at the Georgia Department of Labor (706) 745-6959.