Workforce and Education
For the development authority, our ultimate mission is to be able to look every single high school student in the eyes and tell them that regardless of their acumen or if they are going to college, they should never have to leave Bryan County for their jobs, to build a family and to retire.
The Talent to Drive Business Forward
A business is only as strong as its workforce, and in Bryan County, companies find skilled, adaptable talent ready for success. With a growing labor force, a steady pipeline of military professionals, and nationally ranked training programs, Bryan County ensures businesses have the people and skills they need when they need them.
As one of Georgia’s fastest-growing counties, Bryan County’s workforce is projected to exceed 30,000 by 2029. Education fuels this growth, with a 94.6% graduation rate (one of the highest in Georgia) and a strong focus on career and technical education.
With access to a regional labor force of 500,000+ workers, companies benefit from a diverse talent pool specializing in manufacturing, logistics, engineering, and technology.
A Direct Pipeline to Military Talent
With Fort Stewart, the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi, located partially within Bryan County and just 15 minutes from Richmond Hill, the region offers direct access to one of the most disciplined, highly trained labor pools in the nation. Hunter Army Airfield is located approximately 25 miles east in Savannah, or about a 30-minute drive, while Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base is just over 70 miles south, roughly a 75-minute drive. U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the coastal region, including in Savannah and Brunswick, further expand access to active-duty and veteran talent.
Each year, 3,500 soldiers transition from Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, bringing expertise in logistics, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and engineering. An additional 7,000+ military spouses contribute flexible, skilled talent across a range of industries.
Companies benefit from federal military hiring incentives and veteran workforce programs that streamline recruitment of mission-ready professionals.
Workforce Training
Bryan County partners with a strong network of state, regional, and local workforce organizations to deliver customized, job-specific training and talent development. These partnerships ensure businesses have access to skilled employees from day one and a pipeline that supports long-term growth.
- Georgia Quick Start – The nation’s #1 workforce training program, offering tailored, no-cost training for qualified companies in manufacturing, logistics, and technology.
- Savannah Technical College – Industry-driven education in engineering, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, with custom workforce solutions and recruitment support.
- WorkSource Coastal – Career development programs connecting businesses with job-ready candidates through career centers, skills training, and job placement services.
- Savannah Harbor–Interstate 16 JDA Workforce Initiatives – Workforce studies and strategic planning efforts focused on aligning talent pipelines with regional industry needs.
- RISE (Regional Industry Support Enterprise) – A key local workforce partner focused on career awareness, talent development, and employer engagement. RISE connects students, educators, and employers through real-world learning initiatives such as externships, industry-led experiences, and workforce influencers who help expose students and job seekers to in-demand careers. These efforts strengthen Bryan County’s talent pipeline by aligning education with the needs of existing and future employers.
Bryan County businesses benefit from access to top-tier universities producing workforce-ready graduates in business, engineering, logistics, and technology:
Georgia Southern University – A leader in engineering, supply chain management, and business administration.
Georgia Institute of Technology – Renowned for world-class programs in engineering, computer science, and applied research, driving innovation across technology and advanced manufacturing.
Savannah State University – Specializing in STEM, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) – A top institution for creative and digital industries, fueling innovation and tech-driven businesses.
University of Georgia – A flagship institution with strengths in business, agriculture, and life sciences, providing a broad pipeline of skilled graduates for diverse industries.
Bryan County High Schools – Bryan County Schools are committed to aligning high school education with the skills and knowledge needed in today’s workforce. Through a coordinated focus on academic readiness, STEM instruction, and real-world learning, the district helps ensure students graduate prepared for postsecondary education, technical training, or direct entry into the workforce.
This alignment supports local employers by building foundational skills in problem solving, teamwork, technology, and applied learning that translate across multiple industries.
Bryan County Schools – Bryan County Schools emphasize science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics as core components of student development. These programs encourage critical thinking and hands-on learning that mirror the expectations of modern workplaces.
- Richmond Hill Middle School is 1 of 8 STEM-certified middle schools across the State of Georgia
- Bryan County Middle School STEM programs take advantage of advanced instructional labs, including the SME PRIME lab
- Frances Meeks Elementary School features a dedicated STEM lab that introduces students to applied learning at an early age
Career Exploration and Technical Learning
Bryan County Schools prepare students for high-demand careers through hands-on learning and early exposure to workforce opportunities. Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs begin as early as 8th grade, including an electric vehicle design competition that introduces students to engineering, problem solving, and collaboration. At the high school level, students can pursue more than a dozen CTAE pathways aligned with Georgia’s 17 statewide career clusters. These programs offer practical experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a clear connection between the classroom and the workplace.
The district’s robotics and advanced manufacturing program has earned national recognition through its participation in the SME PRIME Schools initiative. Students gain skills in automation, design, and real-world application that reflect the future of technical education.
Learn more about the SME PRIME feature on Bryan County High School.
Bryan County Schools has earned the Georgia Department of Education’s Economic Development Partnership (EDP) designation, a statewide certification that recognizes districts for aligning education with economic development and workforce goals. This distinction highlights the district’s commitment to building talent pipelines, supporting industry engagement, and expanding opportunities through CTAE pathways and career-connected learning.
Developed by GaDOE in partnership with Georgia Power and the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the EDP program identifies school systems that are fully integrated into their local workforce ecosystems. Bryan County’s designation reinforces its role in helping students succeed while strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness.
Learn more about the GaDOE Economic Development Partnership program.
Bryan County offers problem solvers, innovators, and highly skilled professionals, not just workers. Whether hiring veterans, technical graduates, or top university talent, businesses gain a competitive workforce advantage that drives growth, productivity, and innovation.
With business-friendly hiring policies, a future-focused workforce pipeline, and world-class training programs, Bryan County is where business and talent come together to succeed.
