The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 179,200 manufacturing jobs in the Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Roswell, GA, economy in November 2024. The number of jobs was down 2.4% from the previous 12 months.
High-Growth Manufacturing Careers
According to Savannah CEO, Georgia’s manufacturing industry produces approximately 10% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs approximately 9% of the state’s workforce. The increasing demand for talent offers clean, safe, advanced-skills development and high-growth manufacturing career opportunities in Atlanta and beyond.
As Georgia’s fourth-largest and sixth-fastest-growing sector, the projected manufacturing job growth is 10% from 2024 to 2034. Expansion in the state’s advanced manufacturing industry provides innovative, high-skill career opportunities. There are diverse entry points and professional development opportunities, with 70% of manufacturing jobs requiring some college or technical training.
Since many Atlanta manufacturers struggle with talent acquisition, programs such as Georgia QuickStart and Be Pro Be Proud focus on engaging available talent in manufacturing careers. Also, initiatives such as Georgia Match provide resources for K-12 students interested in pursuing post-secondary manufacturing education and career opportunities.
Heroes MAKE America
Heroes MAKE America is the military initiative of the Manufacturing Institute. The program offers manufacturing careers involving robotics, mechatronics, quality management, maintenance technicians, and other pathways.
Training for Heroes’ MAKE America is at Savannah Technical College. Program staff engage with manufacturing employers and set up interviews with veterans leaving the military. Employers benefit from the veterans’ discipline and skills.
According to Jay Neely, Vice President for Law and Public Affairs at aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream, veterans comprise approximately 25% of Georgia’s workforce. Gulfstream recruits transitioning service members through its partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD)’s SkillBridge Program, which lets active-duty military participate in a Gulfstream internship-to-hire program within the last 180 days of their active service. Successful candidates receive the necessary tools and training to become permanent hires and thrive in civilian roles.
Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing
Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) positions the state as an AI manufacturing leader. The program reports that over 80% of manufacturers are investing in AI or considering investing soon. The technology elevates efficiency and generates thousands of high-paying AI manufacturing jobs.
A grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) supports Georgia AIM in reaching groups historically underrepresented in manufacturing, including rural residents, women, blacks, Indigenous individuals, people of color, those living with disabilities, and veterans. The grant also supports efforts to reach students in grades K-12, technical colleges, universities, and Georgia residents without a college degree. The goal is to use education, training, workforce events, internships, fellowship programs, talent assessment, and placement programs to elevate participation in a diverse AI manufacturing workforce.
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