Hawkinsville-Pulaski County takes a regional approach to workforce development, recognizing that collaboration across county lines is key to economic growth. As part of a labor market that includes Bibb, Peach, Houston, Dooly, Wilcox, Dodge, and Bleckley counties, our region has a combined population of more than 419,000. This regional network offers employers access to a broad labor pool while our local unemployment rate remains impressively low at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 3.15%. Pulaski County also benefits from its strategic location in the Warner Robins Metropolitan Statistical Area and its proximity—just 20 minutes—to Robins Air Force Base. Employers in our community enjoy access to a loyal, primarily non-union workforce with a strong work ethic and low turnover. With a local average weekly wage of $869 and a regional average of $1,028, our area offers both competitive labor and a sustainable cost of doing business.

Commuting data shows Hawkinsville-Pulaski County is closely integrated into the larger regional economy. While 832 residents live and work within the county, more than 800 individuals commute in daily to support our industries. Meanwhile, over 2,000 Pulaski County residents travel outside the county for employment—demonstrating the mobility, adaptability, and regional reach of our workforce. This commuting flexibility ensures that employers in our area have access to talent from across Middle Georgia.

Our workforce development strategy is proactive and community-driven. Hawkinsville-Pulaski County partners with local schools, businesses, and state agencies to prepare residents for career success. Programs include annual job fairs, soft skills classes, mock interviews, and resource fairs for both students and adults. We actively participate in regional and statewide initiatives such as Be Pro Be Proud, PROPEL, and Look Ahead Georgia, while also taking part in broader economic efforts through the Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor and Middle Georgia Economic Alliance. As Georgia’s first ACT Work Ready Community, we’re proud to set the standard for workforce preparation and readiness.

DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGIC PLANNING

The Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Economic Development Office takes a strategic, data-driven approach to workforce planning. Through tools like YouScience, annual community surveys, and U.S. Census data, we gain insight into the strengths of our local labor force and emerging economic trends. YouScience, in particular, helps us identify key sectors that align with the natural talents and interests of our students, such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades. These insights guide our recruitment and incentive strategies to attract industries that are a strong fit for our workforce. In addition, community survey data from the Carl Vinson Institute has revealed that local workers prioritize benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off—information we use to help employers craft competitive compensation packages and improve worker retention.

At the heart of our youth workforce development efforts is Hawkinsville High School’s CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) program. Using YouScience data to understand student interests and aptitudes, the CTAE team shapes class offerings and career pathways to meet workforce needs. Current tracks include aviation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, pharmacy, phlebotomy, and sports medicine. In the most recent semester, 40 students completed career pathways—25 in agriculture, 12 in pharmacy, and 3 in entrepreneurship. Additionally, more than 80 juniors and seniors are enrolled in the school’s work-based learning program, supported by a full-time coordinator. Students gain hands-on experience with local employers and participate in activities like mock interviews, job fairs, soft skills training, and career exploration events such as Be Pro Be Proud. CTAE instructors also take part in industry tours to ensure their instruction aligns with evolving job market needs.

Hawkinsville-Pulaski County businesses also benefit from access to Georgia’s top-ranked Quick Start program, which offers customized, no-cost workforce training for new and expanding companies. Delivered through Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), Quick Start provides tailored pre- and post-employment training using company-specific curriculum, instructors, and materials—saving employers time and money while ensuring new hires are job-ready on day one. CGTC also offers more than 180 technical certificates, diplomas, and associate degree programs in high-demand fields like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, and healthcare. With a CGTC Workforce Development Center located in the North Hawkinsville Industrial Park, industry partners have direct access to regional training resources right in their backyard.

Pulaski County was proud to be one of the first participants in the University of Georgia’s Look Ahead Georgia internship program, launched in summer 2024. This initiative connects UGA students with paid internships at local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Interns earn valuable work experience while contributing to community development and civic leadership. During the pilot year, Pulaski hosted internships in fields like environmental health, engineering, insurance, and accounting. For employers, the program provides a cost-effective recruitment pipeline and early access to motivated, qualified talent. At the same time, it helps reduce brain drain by showing students the career potential that exists in their own rural communities.

From student career pathways to technical college training and regional collaboration, Hawkinsville-Pulaski County is fully invested in building a workforce that meets the needs of modern industry. Our workforce is adaptable, loyal, and ready to work—and our development tools and training programs are designed to make it easy for your business to succeed here. Contact the Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Economic Development Office to learn more about how we can help you connect with the talent your business needs.