This week, high school students got the opportunity to try out in-demand skilled professions first-hand in a fun way.

Students from across the region took a trip to the Macon Farmer’s Market to participate in five high demand careers with hands-on simulations to learn about the careers, what they do, and possibly gain an interest in that field. Those careers included commercial truck driving, health care, plumbing, welding, and robotics.

“The need for skilled workers has never been greater,” says Tiffany Andrews, Director of Workforce Development with WorkSource Macon-Bibb (WSMB). “Prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic, all industry sectors were feeling a void in the workforce from people approaching retirement, and that has now been exacerbated by additional vacancies opening from more retirements and people switching jobs.”

WSMB and WorkSource Middle Georgia (WSMG) partnered with the Cherokee Office of Economic Development to bring the state-of-the-art Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop. It’s a 40-foot open air trailer with interactive simulations.

“This is a nice interactive way to get them involved, get their interests to get on their level to help develop their education,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This is fun for them, it’s like gaming. When they see that it’s fun, they don’t consider it a job. They can see themselves doing this many years down the road. This is a great opportunity for them.”

The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority and Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce also partnered with WorkSource to support the event.

The Mobile Workshop will also make its way to other Middle Georgia counties, such as Baldwin County from November 8-13, 2021, and Houston County from April 12-16, 2022.