Local businesses that hire workers who have earned a Work Ready certificate through the state’s Work Ready program will be entitled to financial aid to assist with hiring and training costs.

The Governor’s Office and Georgia Chamber of Commerce recently announced the launch of the Hire Work Ready initiative which is designed to provide funding to small businesses that hire Work Ready certified employees.

“Our state’s small businesses are the engine that drives our economy,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “To ensure our state’s long-term prosperity, it is imperative that we give them the tools necessary to not only weather the economic downturn, but emerge stronger and ready for growth.”

Under provisions of the program, companies employing 50 or fewer workers will be eligible to receive $250 for each certified Work Ready worker hired, up to $1,250 total. Funding for the program is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Georgia small businesses may apply for the reimbursement by visiting the Work Ready Web site at (www.gaworkready.org) and following the Hire Work Ready link under the Employers tab to complete a short application. To be eligible, firms must participate in a Work Ready information session and be in good financial standing with the state.

“Georgia Work Ready is one of our state’s strongest economic development tools because it ensures we have the best possible workforce,” commented George M. Israel III, Georgia Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “By hiring Work Ready certified individuals, our state’s small businesses can enjoy all the benefits larger employers enjoy – great productivity, lower training costs and higher morale.”

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Development oversees the Georgia Work Ready program and estimates that Hire Work Ready will encourage the hiring of 2,000 certified Work Ready people by more than 400 small businesses throughout the state.

Georgia Work Ready is based on a skills assessment, certification and skills gap training for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs.

Jenkins County received Work Ready certification in June 2009. The effort was spearheaded by the Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center.

The county achieved 277 Work Ready Certificates earned which was 67 percent above the goal and increased public high school graduation rate from 63.6 percent to 72.3 percent.

To earn the Certified Work Ready Community designation, counties must demonstrate a commitment to improving public high school graduation rates through a measurable increase, and show a specified percentage of the available and current workforce have obtained Work Ready Certificates.