County unveils 2026 workforce programs to aid local hiring

<p><em>Woodstock Community News| Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) announced a suite of workforce initiatives this week designed to help local employers navigate the 2026 labor market. The strategic plan focuses on connecting businesses with qualified residents through internships, networking events, and digital recruitment tools.</p><p>Employer registration is currently open for the Cherokee Summer Internship Program, which pairs businesses with rising high school upperclassmen and recent graduates. Additionally, COED confirmed the return of the annual Cherokee Career Expo, scheduled for September 30, 2026. While expo registration has not yet opened, the event aims to facilitate face-to-face interviews between companies and local job seekers.</p><p>To address broader recruitment trends, the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative and HR Roundtable offer quarterly meetings for professionals to discuss skills gaps and retention strategies. Employers interested in joining these groups can contact the development office at aleatherman@cherokeega.org.</p><p>For immediate hiring needs, the county continues to operate the Cherokee Job Board at jobs.cherokeega.org. The platform allows businesses of all sizes to post open positions at no cost, specifically targeting residents looking to work closer to home and reduce commute times.</p>