The nature of Workforce is ever changing. DWD will shift our focus to meet the demands as they arrive; therefore, making well informed decisions that will impact positive performance. This will align with real time needs and projections of today’s economic status and training needs. Job seekers will benefit through our understanding and implementation of workforce trends, resources, and urgency. Through a host of round table discussions, workshops and economic development strategies, job seekers and businesses will play a viable role of the decisions made and will have an In depth understanding of what roles are needed to bond the relationships so that everyone benefits. Workforce Development is derived through teaching and learning of workforce relationships, partnerships and implementing the tools needed to succeed in the workforce; hence, developing as we progress.

Roberta L. Morris- Executive Director of DeKalb Workforce Development

DeKalb Workforce Development (DWD) is a division of the DeKalb County Government, under the executive office of the CEO of DeKalb County. DWD, one-time known as The DeKalb County Private Industry Council, changed its name back in 2000 when the State of Georgia adopted the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. DWD’s overall purpose is to provide a collaboration of service organizations providing unified education, training and employment programs for job seekers and workforce development services to businesses. DWD is a comprehensive one stop center with four partnering agencies.

Under WIA Decrees, Georgia is divided into workforce areas based on a set regulations relating to low income, unemployment, jobs and in demand occupations. Each area must have a Board of Directors, and a one stop center where workforce services are readily available. The State Workforce Investment Board has appointed DeKalb Workforce Development as DeKalb County’s local area one-stop center operator. DWD is responsible for overseeing and managing all of DeKalb’s everyday workforce development activities.

DeKalb Workforce Development Services are delivered in two ways:

Core Services: Access to computers, printers, word-processing and some writing software, Internet, e-mail, telephone, fax, pre-employment job search skills workshops, job search literature, Job listings, Labor Market Information Employment trends such as area profiles, market projections, job outlook, and wage information, and Assistive Technology (AT) state-of-the-art equipment for customers with visual and/or hearing impairments, access to services tailored to the needs of the older worker, youth, TANF customers, and federal bonding program required by employers, and etc.

Intensive Services: Education and training information and guidance about career options, occupational skill training, financial aid resources, and other training services that might be available in the area such as customized training, access to the Workforce Investment Act Individual Training Account (ITA) and Georgia Career Information System (GCIS), individual career exploration, assessment and counseling, and job search assistance from career consultants, employment assistance to military veterans, skill training support services such as childcare, tools, uniforms, transportation and etc.