Georgia Workforce Development, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, has announced four new veteran training programs in Coastal Georgia, launched by Coastal Workforce Services.

“With more than 80,000 Georgia veterans expected to return home from combat over the next four years, it is now our duty to make their transition as easy as possible,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “I want to thank all involved in launching these training programs for your commitment to honor Georgia’s heroes with meaningful and rewarding careers.”

In Savannah, the local workforce area (Coastal Workforce Services) has offered training programs that help ease the transition process for returning heroes, reinforcing Gov. Deal’s commitment to making veteran employment a priority.

To ensure that veterans have the proper training that businesses require, each program targets a specific, in-demand skill set.

“Helmets to Hardhats” is an 18-week training program that is designed to train pipe welders and provide certification nationwide.

For commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, “Troops to Trucks” will officially launch in May and six veterans already are registered. The local area is partnering with the Savannah Technical College and Ogeechee Technical College for the programs.

Georgia Tech has partnered with the local community through the university’s Vet2 training program, a four-week education and transition program that assists veterans in converting specialized military knowledge into the civilian workforce.

“One of the biggest hurdles facing our returning veterans is the ability to transfer their unique and mastered skills into professional certifications,” said Ben Hames, deputy commissioner for Georgia Department of Economic Development, Workforce Division. “These programs demonstrate the state’s commitment to veterans and ultimately supply our workforce with individuals who bring a valuable skillset to the table.”

With the fastest growing port in the southeast, the Port of Savannah, Savannah is a hub for manufacturing and logistics companies. To meet the state’s growing need for a highly skilled talent pool in these industries, the local area is working with the Coastal Logistics Group to provide on-the-job training for veterans in those sectors.

The Workforce Division is focused on connecting local areas with key partners, such as technical colleges, regional military installations, local employers and community leaders, to craft impactful programs that meet business needs.