How CobbWorks is transforming workforce development resources and services into opportunities.
By Michael J. Pallerino
It was a dream. All Evelyn “Evie” Hague ever wanted to do was join the fire services department. The mere prospect, if you take it from a 25,000-foot perspective, seemed daunting, especially for a teenager with no experience. But thanks to a unique program from CobbWorks, Hague was given an opportunity that seemed unworldly. The CobbWorks BOSS Young Professional Program offers young adults ages 16 to 24 a career path forward.
Through the BOSS Young Professionals program, Hague was able to transition straight out of high school to work hand in hand with the Cobb County Fire Explorers program in partnership with Cobb Fire. Through the program, she earned her EMT and AEMT certifications and joined Cobb County Fire Recruit Class 61, where she was held to the same rigorous standards as all other incoming recruits.
Thanks to CobbWorks, BOSS Young Professionals, which stands for BOLD, OPEN, SKILLED and SUCCESSFUL, allows participants to enter the program at any stage in their career development, whether they need to earn a GED, obtain work experience, or are ready to gain education in their desired career. CobbWorks staff support participants and help them achieve their goals through career coaching, support services, and incentives.
“We are driven to help the community’s needs through strong partnerships that advance our work,” said Sonya Grant, president and CEO of CobbWorks, and executive director of the Cobb Workforce Development Board. “Youth programs ensure that young people are prepared for the workforce, reducing youth unemployment and promoting long-term career success. Achieving economic self-sufficiency through employment improves the quality of life for individuals and families, reducing poverty and related social issues.”
For the Fire Explorers program and a multitude of other employer partners, thanks to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Cobb County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, CobbWorks is able to offer paid internships in high-demand industries, providing them with $15 per hour for 40 hours a week over a 12-24 week timespan. “A skilled and educated workforce attracts businesses to the area, fostering economic growth and development,” Grant said. “Employers benefit from a pool of qualified candidates, enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Services such as recruitment assistance and funding to support customized training and training new hires help local businesses thrive by ensuring they have access to the talent they need.”
With a mission to support both jobseekers and businesses, CobbWorks contributes to job creation and economic stability in the region. For example, lower unemployment rates reduce the financial burden on social services and government support programs, freeing up resources for other economic development initiatives. This translates into more employed individuals who have greater purchasing power to boost local businesses and stimulate the economy through increased consumer spending.
“Employment and training opportunities lead to a more engaged and motivated community, fostering a positive environment for growth and development,” Grant said. “Successful career paths and economic stability contribute to safer, more prosperous neighborhoods. Overall, CobbWorks programs and resources play a critical role in supporting individuals, businesses, and the broader community, driving economic development, and improving the quality of life for residents.”
Established in 2000 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CobbWorks’ mission is to connect people and businesses with employment and resources to empower and transform lives. Its vision is thriving communities where people and businesses are equipped to consistently achieve economic success, growth, and resiliency.
A designated workforce development agency, CobbWorks — d/b/a WorkSource Cobb under the Technical College System of Georgia’s workforce development brand — offers myriad resources and services for youth and adult jobseekers, and employers. Prioritizing low-income populations each service is geared toward building employer talent pipelines utilizing strategies that build jobseeker skills and expand their access to high-demand, high-wage careers.
“Our programs and resources provide significant benefits to the community and drive economic development,” Grant said. “Through job placement services and employment assistance, we help reduce unemployment and support individuals in securing stable jobs. All of our training programs and educational opportunities enhance the skills and qualifications of the local workforce, making them more competitive in the job market.”
Operating one WIOA-funded America’s Job Center One Stop, CobbWorks provides workforce development resources and services to seven cities and more than 771,000 residents. Along with its slate of free resources and services, CobbWorks provides a comprehensive range of workforce development programs, and more.
Building through partnerships
At the heart of the organization’s mission statement is the collaboration it fosters with local businesses, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and others to enhance services in impactful ways. Each partnership is critical for creating a skilled workforce, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that job seekers and employers have the resources needed to succeed.
“Through these collaborative efforts, we are able to provide comprehensive, high-quality services that meet the needs of job seekers, employers, and the broader community,” Grant said. “Each partnership is essential for building a skilled and competitive workforce, driving economic development, and improving the quality of life in the region.”
Every CobbWorks employment and education program is designed to help people enhance their skills, find employment, and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Each program, service, and strategy is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of job seekers and employers. “We target high-demand and high-wage industries,” Grant said. “People can select among thousands of skills training programs and apprenticeships on the state’s eligible training provider list.”
The road ahead
Looking at the road ahead, there are several obstacles organizations like CobbWorks may have to hurdle, including a diminishing funding environment. Over the last seven years, Grant said that federal funding for workforce development has decreased by 30 percent. “As federal dollars shrink, delivering services, specifically to hard-to-serve populations, becomes increasingly difficult. Limited funding can lead to reduced staff, reduced programs, and decreased ability to serve the community effectively.”
Another challenge includes having to upskill low-skilled jobseekers with fewer resources. Today’s worker skills gap, which is prevalent in many industries, presents a significant challenge as CobbWorks seeks to bridge the divide between the skills employers need and the capabilities of the available workforce. Grant said the gap is characterized by a mismatch where many job seekers lack the technical proficiency, digital literacy, and specialized knowledge required by modern industries.
Other obstacles include a lack of public transportation and a scarcity of affordable housing. “Without reliable public transit, low-income workers face longer and more complex commutes,” Grant said. “This can lead to tardiness or absenteeism and affect job performance and job retention, forcing them to accept lower-paying jobs closer to home, further reducing employers’ talent pools. And we are experiencing a severe housing crisis, with median sales prices in Cobb County at $400,000. Starter homes are practically nonexistent outside of the ones built by Habitat for Humanity, which are capped at $250,000 per sale.”
With a commitment to the local community and an eye on the future, CobbWorks stands as a cornerstone in bridging the gap between job seekers and employers. By ensuring people have the skills to survive and thrive, it is fostering a bond that cannot be equaled.
Reduce barriers. Build strength. Repeat.
Inside the Cobb Work Source Center’s vision for success
For the past 24 years, CobbWorks operated a single workforce center in Marietta, serving an area that has seen its population explode to more than 771,000 residents. As Georgia’s third-largest county continues to grow, the reality came sharply into play: A single center was not going to adequately serve everyone, particularly for residents in South Cobb.
Thus, was born the vision for the new Cobb Work Source Center — a vision Chairwoman Lisa Cupid championed during her tenure as District 4 Commissioner. Upon recognizing the disparities in service access, especially among populations for whom English is not their first language, CobbWorks pledged to expand its reach, committing to a new center in the repurposed Old Mableton Fire Station. The decision represents a collaborative effort supported by county leadership and significant investment from both public and private sources.
Upon its expected completion this fall, the Cobb Work Source Center and CobbWorks Workforce Development Access Point at Gritters Library will serve some of Cobb’s highest-needs communities, particularly in North Cobb and South Cobb. The mission is to foster thriving communities where people and businesses consistently achieve economic success, growth, and resilience.
“By expanding access, CobbWorks seeks to reduce barriers for job seekers and small businesses, especially for those with low to moderate incomes,” said Sonya Grant, president and CEO of CobbWorks, and executive director of the Cobb Workforce Development Board. “The Mableton location will offer services such as co-working spaces, business coaching, and a full-service business services team to help entrepreneurs and small businesses overcome obstacles and enhance their capabilities.
The expansion of workforce development services through the new facilities marks the first such growth in Cobb County in 24 years. These centers align with CobbWorks’ goal of empowering individuals to achieve their career aspirations by expanding access to employment, education, training, and support services.
The new Cobb Work Source Center will offer a comprehensive array of free resources and services, including daily access to computers and Wi-Fi, digital skills training, resumé and interview skills support, job fairs and business services, internships, work experience, funding for education and skills training, career coaching, and much more.
“This will significantly impact economic development and workforce readiness in Cobb County,” Grant said. “The center is expected to serve over 8,000 customers annually, with a focus on populations hardest hit by the pandemic, including low- to moderate-income households, ESL [English as a second language] communities, and veterans. By expanding access to workforce development resources, it aims to alleviate poverty and build a skilled and talented workforce that meets the needs of employers and the regional economy.”
Collaboration with employers will further drive innovative workforce strategies, such as career pathways and skills upgrading.
Inside the Cobb Work Source Center’s vision for success
For the past 24 years, CobbWorks operated a single workforce center in Marietta, serving an area that has seen its population explode to more than 771,000 residents. As Georgia’s third-largest county continues to grow, the reality came sharply into play: A single center was not going to adequately serve everyone, particularly for residents in South Cobb.
Thus, was born the vision for the new Cobb Work Source Center — a vision Chairwoman Lisa Cupid championed during her tenure as District 4 Commissioner. Upon recognizing the disparities in service access, especially among populations for whom English is not their first language, CobbWorks pledged to expand its reach, committing to a new center in the repurposed Old Mableton Fire Station. The decision represents a collaborative effort supported by county leadership and significant investment from both public and private sources.
Upon its expected completion this fall, the Cobb Work Source Center and CobbWorks Workforce Development Access Point at Gritters Library will serve some of Cobb’s highest-needs communities, particularly in North Cobb and South Cobb. The mission is to foster thriving communities where people and businesses consistently achieve economic success, growth, and resilience.
“By expanding access, CobbWorks seeks to reduce barriers for job seekers and small businesses, especially for those with low to moderate incomes,” said Sonya Grant, president and CEO of CobbWorks, and executive director of the Cobb Workforce Development Board. “The Mableton location will offer services such as co-working spaces, business coaching, and a full-service business services team to help entrepreneurs and small businesses overcome obstacles and enhance their capabilities.
The expansion of workforce development services through the new facilities marks the first such growth in Cobb County in 24 years. These centers align with CobbWorks’ goal of empowering individuals to achieve their career aspirations by expanding access to employment, education, training, and support services.
The new Cobb Work Source Center will offer a comprehensive array of free resources and services, including daily access to computers and Wi-Fi, digital skills training, resumé and interview skills support, job fairs and business services, internships, work experience, funding for education and skills training, career coaching, and much more.
“This will significantly impact economic development and workforce readiness in Cobb County,” Grant said. “The center is expected to serve over 8,000 customers annually, with a focus on populations hardest hit by the pandemic, including low- to moderate-income households, ESL [English as a second language] communities, and veterans. By expanding access to workforce development resources, it aims to alleviate poverty and build a skilled and talented workforce that meets the needs of employers and the regional economy.”
Collaboration with employers will further drive innovative workforce strategies, such as career pathways and skills upgrading.
How you can get involved
There are several ways the community — and local businesses and organizations — can help support the CobbWorks mission, including the following:
- Financial Contributions – Donations help fund education and skills training, youth internships, and supportive services for participants.
- Sponsorship – Sponsor specific programs or events, including job fairs, professional development or training sessions, or youth activities.
- In-Kind Donations – Items like computers, office supplies, and educational materials can be used in training and support programs.
- Business Collaboration – Become a host site for internships, apprenticeships, and job placements for program participants.
- Workshop Facilitation – Share your expertise by leading workshops on resumé writing, interview skills, job search strategies, and other relevant topics.
- Volunteer at Job Fairs and Other Events – Attend or volunteer at job fairs, career expos, and other events.
- Board or Committee Service – Serve on the board or a committee position helps provide strategic guidance and support.
An Eye on the Future
Building through strategic population development
In addition to education and skills training programs listed on the state’s eligible training provider list, CobbWorks offers a series of specialized training and pre-apprenticeship programs.
BOSS Young Professionals – Designed to empower the next generation of leaders, the program provides comprehensive career development, education, and employment opportunities for young adults aged 16 to 24. The program helps bridge the gap between education and employment, helping young professionals prepare for the road ahead.
PowerUp! Pathway Apprenticeship Program – PowerUp! helps equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Focused on adults and youth, the program provides comprehensive on-job-the-job skills training in high-demand industries, personalized career counseling, industry-recognized credentials, and supportive services such as childcare and transportation assistance.
ReAlign ReStart – a re-entry initiative designed to reduce recidivism, meet workforce demands, and enhance employment and educational opportunities for justice-involved individuals. The program has successfully established an on-site education, employment, and training program within the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, in collaboration with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department, Construction Ready, Chattahoochee Technical College, and Cobb Adult Education.
Rehabilitation, Education, And Career Training (REACT) – In collaboration with the Cobb County Accountability and Juvenile Courts, this strategic initiative provides targeted participants with comprehensive case management, integrated academic and skills training, and workforce development services. Designed to offer alternatives to incarceration, the program focuses on holding individuals accountable for their actions by fostering behavioral change, reducing recidivism, and equipping participants with the tools and resources necessary to address challenges.
Save the date: Sept. 19, 2024
Are You Smarter Than A 10-Year-Old? Join CobbWorks at Marietta College & Career Academy for a night of fun and fundraising to help alleviate poverty through literacy, education, employment and training! Learn more at
classy.org/event/are-you-smarter-than-a-ten-year-old-fundraising-event-2024/e596984.
