Education and Training
Build on the skills and experience of Valdosta-Lowndes County’s highly trained workforce with educational programs through our local high schools, colleges, and universities. From advanced manufacturing technology to industrial safety training courses, these schools have the resources to take your workforce to the next level.
New Job Training Programs
QuickStart, the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s new job training program, is also administered by Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
QuickStart is Georgia’s internationally acclaimed program providing customized training free-of-charge to qualified new, expanding and existing businesses for more than 40 years.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
With an educational mission to prepare South Georgia’s workforce, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has approximately 5,500 students enrolled in more than 100 programs of study, including credit and noncredit courses and distance learning options. Serving 11 South Georgia counties, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has one of the state’s top dual enrollment programs and was the first college in Georgia to receive accreditation by the National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment. In addition, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College maintains partnerships with numerous four-year colleges and universities to allow the seamless transfer of associate degree courses.
Valdosta State University
Georgia Military College
The academic mission of Georgia Military College involves the development of the intellect and the elevation of character. The learning-based curriculum of the college is, therefore, a blend of expected student learning objectives of intellectual development in each course and in ethical development. This unique blend has characterized this institution almost since its founding in 1879 under a charter granted by the Georgia state legislature.
Campuses located on Moody Air Force Base
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University teaches science, practice, and business of aviation and aerospace, preparing students for productive careers and leadership roles.
Park University specializes in high-quality educational services, delivered in innovative ways that allow working adults and military service personnel to earn their college degrees.
Work-Based Learning/ CTAE Program
Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) contain many structured age-appropriate experiences which prepare students to be college and career ready. Work-Based Learning is a culminating experience for students taking courses in their chosen career pathway. Students may enroll in a Work-Based Learning course once they reach the age of 16 where they will receive credit while working in an environment related to their career pathway.
Both Lowndes County Schools and Valdosta City Schools offer Work-Based Learning/CTAE Programs. The Work-Based-Learning coordinator/CTAE director for each school may conduct many supporting activities to prepare students for the Work-Based Learning experience. These include mock interviews, job shadowing, student portfolios, career fairs, interest and aptitude surveys, career awareness and career exploration, guest speakers, and field trips.
For specific information on Valdosta-Lowndes County’s workforce, including the size of our workforce and educational attainment, please visit our Workforce Data & Demographics page.
WIN Regional College and Career Academy
The Valdosta Lowndes County Development Authority continues to play an active role in supporting the development of the WIN (Workforce Innovation Network) Regional College & Career Academy, recognizing the initiative as a transformative step in strengthening the region’s long-term workforce pipeline. As industries across South Georgia continue to grow and evolve, the academy represents a strategic investment in preparing students with the skills needed for today’s high-demand careers.
WIN Academy is designed as a collaborative, industry-informed training model that will serve high school students from Valdosta City Schools as well as the Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, and Lanier County school systems. By bringing together multiple school districts, the academy will create a regional talent pipeline that connects students directly to career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, construction, and other technical fields critical to the local economy.
By strengthening the connection between education and industry, the WIN Regional College & Career Academy will help expand career pathways for students while supporting the continued growth of Valdosta-Lowndes County’s business community. This forward-looking partnership will play a vital role in developing a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of South Georgia’s evolving economy for years to come.
