The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and its Office of Workforce Development/WorkSource Georgia are expanding efforts to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline through a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Georgia is one of only 14 states selected to receive funding as part of an $86 million federal investment supporting workforce innovation.

The award was announced in October and will support the launch of the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund (IDSTF) grant, a first-of-its-kind program designed to help employers close critical skill gaps, upskill workers quickly, and remain competitive in rapidly evolving industries such as advanced manufacturing, construction, and energy. The window for employers to apply for the grant is open through April 9, 2026. 

“The innovation of this fund lies in its simplicity: invest directly into Georgia businesses, connect the investment to real outcomes, and let business and industry lead the way,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “This investment ensures Georgia remains the number one state for business and top state for talent by equipping workers with the skills needed for tomorrow’s economy.”

Through TCSG’s network of colleges, workforce boards, and hundreds of access points, IDSTF will help employers deliver fast, targeted training that meets their operational needs. The program is expected to train at least 650 Georgians for high-demand, high-wage careers.

“Georgia has been a regional and national leader in advancing how goods are manufactured,” said Karen Kirchler, deputy commissioner of TCSG’s Office of Workforce Development/WorkSource Georgia. “Each day, more manufacturers are adopting technologies powered by AI and automation. This fund helps advance our workforce alongside these innovations while keeping employers at the center of talent development.”

The IDSTF invests directly in Georgia employers to help them upskill or retrain new and existing workers, build job-ready talent quickly, prepare workers for industry-recognized credentials, and strengthen long-term workforce pipelines. The program supports a range of skilling options, including short-term and customized training, in the high-demand occupations.  

When it comes to the reimbursement process, eligible employees may receive up to $7,000 per participant, up to 80 percent of allowable training costs, 60 percent upon training completion, and 20 percent after six months of job retention. Eligible employers must operate in Georgia and provide required training data for federal-based reporting.

In addition, all participants must create accounts in the WorkSource Georgia portal to allow for co-enrollment with other workforce programs, credential and progress updates, and reporting to track program success. 

For more information on the IDSTF grant, visit https://www.tcsg.edu/trainingfund/.