Training on the GO

Students at Georgia Piedmont Technical College participate in a Certified Nursing Assistant Training on the GO program.

Adult Education students have the opportunity to participate in workforce training while completing their studies through Training on the GO (TOTG) . Training on the GO is Georgia’s approach to the Integrated Education and Training service model under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act . Students have the opportunity to earn postsecondary and/or industry-recognized credentials in high-demand career fields while simultaneously working toward their high school equivalency diploma or learning English . Training on the GO programs put Adult Education students on a fast track to employment, a better job, a higher wage, and ultimately, a bridge to a better future .

Beginning in 2017, TCSG’s Office of Adult Education (OAE) implemented a state policy to require all Adult Education providers to develop and implement at least one Training on the GO program . The goal of the state mandate for Training on the GO programs was to emphasize the focus on workforce development and career pathways . Around this same time, the High Demand Career Initiative (HDCI) aimed to identify workforce needs in order for Georgia to remain the No . 1 state in the nation for business . The HDCI ultimately identified key industries that are in-demand, pay an above-average entry-level wage, and are considered strong options for pursuing a successful career in Georgia . Training on the GO programs are designed to specifically target the high-demand industries in the local area as a critical workforce development strategy .

Training on the GO programs span across a number of career pathways, with the majority of providers now offering more than one type of TOTG . Examples of Training on the GO programs include, but are not limited to: • Commercial Truck Driving • Certified Nursing Assistant • Customer Service

• Cybersecurity • Forklift

• Home Health Aide

• Medical Administrative Assistant

• Phlebotomy • Welding

Programs had a strong start with Training on the GO during 2018-2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic impacted participation . Since then, Training on the GO enrollment has started to rebound with projections to surpass pre-pandemic numbers . Many Training on the GO programs couple credentials (for example, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and Forklift), so students have the opportunity to earn more than one credential in a given TOTG . In the 2020-2021 academic year, 487 students participated in Training on the GO, earning 561 credentials . As of December 2021, 399 students have participated in Training on the GO offerings, earning 358 credentials . OAE aims to serve at least 630 Training on the GO students by June 2022 .

Adult Education providers must collaborate with training providers to develop and implement the program . Training providers can include technical colleges and economic development departments . Adult Education providers must also collaborate with local workforce development boards and employers to ensure Training on the GO programs are addressing workforce needs . Through partnerships with local employers, some Training on the GO programs include externships that set students up to find jobs and transition directly to the workforce

at the conclusion of the TOTG .

Many providers have also applied for grants or partnered with local workforce development boards or foundations to help cover the cost of training . Due to the growing impact of Training on the GO, Truist Bank awarded OAE a $100,000 grant in October 2020 to support TOTG programs among five providers: • Augusta Technical College • Central Georgia Technical College • Georgia Northwestern Technical College • Georgia Piedmont Technical College • Southern Regional Technical College

The Truist Bank grant helps cover the cost of high school equivalency exams, certifications, materials, equipment, and incentives for students who participate in Training on the GO . The Truist grant alone has supported over 100 Training on the GO students, and the majority of them have earned at least one industry-recognized credential to help them obtain better job opportunities . Due to the grant’s success, OAE has been awarded an additional $250,000 from Truist Bank to expand to five more programs: • Athens Technical College • Coastal Pines Technical College • Gwinnett Technical College • Lanier Technical College • Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

OAE is excited about what is on the horizon for Training on the GO in Georgia . Providers now offer Training on the GO programs each quarter to enable as many students as possible to benefit from the opportunity. OAE will continue to work with providers to expand Training on the GO by exploring additional high-demand industries and developing even more direct pathways to employment through TOTG, such as establishing credit-based TOTG with technical colleges or pre-apprenticeship TOTG with employers . Given how deeply intertwined Adult Education and workforce development are, OAE believes Training on the GO will be the future of Adult Education in Georgia .

Students at Southeastern Technical College earn their Forklift Certification through Training on the GO.

Did You Know?

In addition to Training on the GO, Adult Education providers also offer workplace literacy activities as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act . Workplace literacy includes Adult Education and literacy activities offered in collaboration with an employer or employee organization that can occur at a workplace or off-site location . The goal of workplace literacy classes is to improve the productivity of the workforce according to the employer’s specific needs. Adult Education providers work with the employer to develop a curriculum designed to help employees meet the milestones set by the employer .

Workplace literacy classes are tailored to an employer’s specific needs. Examples of skills that Adult Education providers can help employees develop include, but are not limited to: • Work readiness (e .g ., Georgia BEST) • English language acquisition • Digital literacy • High school equivalency test preparation • Basic skills development (reading, math, science, social studies)

If you are interested in establishing a workplace literacy class, contact your local Adult Education provider to learn more .