Area Development
The state of Georgia has launched a new online program to connect employers with job seekers. Work Ready Connect, a partnership between the state's Office of Workforce Development and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, will help ensure that the state's workers are matched with jobs that will help companies and employees succeed.

"Georgia Work Ready has transformed our state's work force and made our people our number one competitive advantage," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Work Ready Connect will take us to a new level. It will help our citizens find high-quality jobs, help our companies connect with the right talent and help our communities drive economic growth."

The program is free for holders of Work Ready Certificates and companies that prefer or require certificates as part of hiring. Job seekers can use their certificates to find jobs that best match their skills. Website users can build employment profiles, view recommended job opportunities, search for open positions, and communicate with hiring state employers.

Companies can use the site to locate qualified candidates, create company profiles, post open jobs, and invite Work Ready certified job seekers for interviews.

More than 150,000 Georgians are Work Ready certified, and more than 540 companies participate in Work Ready. Some of those include Atlanta Gas Light, Georgia Power, Manpower, and YKK.

"Work Ready Connect is helping us find the right talent for the right positions," said Suzanne Sitherwood, president of Atlanta Gas Light and 2010 chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "It is also helping our state demonstrate we are home to a world-class work force."