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A Dynamic Partnership for Workforce Development

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A Dynamic Partnership for Workforce Development

Gwinnett County Public Library, Ga.

Workforce and Economic Development | 2017

Innovation Synopsis

Gwinnett County Public Library has enjoyed a productive partnership with Goodwill of North Georgia for the past year during which time both partners' workforce readiness and development programming has doubled due to combined efforts and expertise and a genuine investment in serving the needs of job seekers.

Challenge/Opportunity

Pulling out of a prolonged economic downturn was not easily accomplished across the Metro-Atlanta region. Even though programming and job related resources are a strategic focus for both entities, the partnership infused both organizations with new energy and the depth of collaboration needed to reach residents still seeking assistance in their online search for job opportunities, resume writing, communication skills, training and preparation for employment.


Key Elements of Innovation

Mutual goals, cross promotion of programs and services and combined resources continue to support this successful partnership. Goodwill of North Georgia offers extensive job readiness training, coaching and job fairs while the library offers online and print resources and the Book a Librarian service that supports individualized job search and resume assistance. The partnership offers joint outreach efforts, allowing job seekers expanded access to employment resources throughout the county.


Achieved Outcomes

Partnership efforts have produced a series of well attended workshops and programs including two half day Job Boot Camp programs covering an array of employment topics provided by both partners, a Job Fair held in a library branch that attracted over 150 attendees, and expanded access to computers and job related resources across the county. Both non-profit organizations have expanded their outreach into the community through collaboration and leveraging the strengths of their combined expertise.