e at the Department of Technical and Adult Education have always believed that workforce training is our only business. Through our technical colleges, our economic development programs, and our adult literacy services, our one purpose is to help Georgia’s citizens learn the skills they need to thrive and prosper in today’s workplace.

We accomplish this in a number of ways. Our colleges, of course, provide a vast array of technical education programs designed to lead directly to jobs. But new technologies, new management strategies, and new market demands put pressure on businesses to constantly evolve. And in order for us to offer training in the new skills that businesses need, we also are required to stay flexible and responsive to the needs of our customers.

In this issue of Results, you’ll read about some of the unique ways Georgia’s Technical College System does that. One example involves our vice presidents of economic development. Each college has a trained economic development professional filling this role. Their only job is to serve business in their communities by staying aware of what their industries require, and connecting them with the training services customized to specific needs.

Business moves fast. So do our VPs of economic development.

Another way we’ve responded is to develop training programs for entrepreneurs and small-business people. Once a person has learned a valuable skill, there is often the desire to start his or her own business. This dream is one of the bedrocks of the American economy, one of the major sources of job creation. At our colleges, entrepreneurs can learn how to take the skills they have and start, promote and grow their own businesses. As additional support, some of our colleges now have opened business incubators that help these new ventures get through the tough start-up phase. If new businesses succeed, we all win.

Also in this issue you’ll hear from seven of our newest college presidents. They represent a substantial contribution of additional talent to our system, with fresh ideas for serving their communities. You’ll be impressed by their energy, dedication and vision, just as I am. It gives me confidence in the future of technical education in Georgia.

Dreams, talent and ambition are necessary for business success, but often that’s not enough. In the end, it’s the right training for the right job, delivered at the right time.

Kenneth H. Breeden
Commissioner