An adequate and well-trained work force is an ever-increasing concern to the expansion of any regional economy.

The newly created Atlanta Regional Workforce Board, and its administrative agent, ARC's award winning Workforce Development division, work to provide employment and training services for new work force entrants, as well as retraining for growth occupations and technology employment in the Atlanta area. In addition, as the nation focuses on welfare reform, the board is focused on providing work opportunities for those leaving the welfare rolls.

The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board was created following the dissolution of the nine-county Metropolitan Atlanta Private Industry Council in June 2000. The board represents seven counties including Fulton

Among the planning initiatives are:

• Working with partner agencies and businesses to implement workforce systems within the region. "One-stop" career resource centers will serve as clearing houses for rapid response to plant closings and layoffs, welfare to work assistance, professional career assessment, job preparedness and life skills coaching, skills training for employment, assistance with obtaining quality jobs with benefits and business services such as credential testing.

• Focusing on addressing skills shortages in information technology and assisting in the development of a more highly skilled local workforce for high tech jobs. ARC, along with regional business partners, is the recipient of a U.S. Department of Labor grant of $750,000 to accomplish this

• Taking the lead in developing a State Individual Training Account System. An ITA is a voucher given to customers who need skills training to become gainfully employed or re-employed. In addition, ARC has spearheaded a collaboration with other metro area work force boards to qualify and certify training providers.

• Developing comprehensive youth systems through a separate youth council composed of members of the work force board with special interest or expertise in youth policy as well as representatives of youth service agencies, local public housing authorities, parents of eligible youth seeking assistance under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act, individuals that have experience relating to youth activities and the Job Corps.

"The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 provides the framework for a national work force preparation and employment system designed, most importantly, to meet both the needs of businesses and job-seekers, as well as those who want to further their careers," said Debbie Smith, chairman of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Board and human resources manager at Maxell Corporation of America. "With the commitment of our board members, elected officials and a highly competent ARC staff, the Atlanta Regional Workforce Board has moved forward with the task of developing and serving a world-class work force."

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