A new work force initiative composed of representatives from local governments and schools aims to assist Troup County residents in landing jobs related to Kia Motors and its suppliers.

“The county, city, LaGrange Industrial Authority and West Point each spent a lot of money to bring Kia here,” LaGrange Mayor Jeff Lukken said at City Council’s annual retreat last month. “The problem is a lot of non-Troup County residents have been getting these jobs. It’s very possible for the majority of our citizens who are looking for jobs to get bypassed on more future jobs. That’s why we are putting together this work force that will maximize Troup County citizens’ chances of getting these jobs.”

Known as the Troup County Works, the force will consist of members representing the county, LaGrange, West Point, Hogansville, West Georgia Technical College, county school system, LaGrange College, LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Work Force Corporation, state Department of Labor, LaGrange Industrial Authority, the Callaway Foundation and an economic study team from Georgia Tech.

Members of the force will discuss plans in the near future to create internship as well as co-op programs with existing and future industries.

Other plans to be discussed include creating a placement center to coordinate applicants with job openings, creating a grant program to supplement state scholarships, and the possibility of learning from local high schools and colleges about curriculums and future opportunities for students that will enhance technical skills.

Former employees fired from local plants and other businesses could especially benefit from the service, backers say.

“The efforts that would be made by this work force could help get these people who out of jobs back on their feet,” Lukken said. “It would also really benefit young people around here who just graduated high school or college.”

The force also will create a Web site, troupcountyworks.com, to provide residents with information on available jobs, required job skills, education resources, grant availability and a placement system to connect them to potential employers and industries.

“The new Web site will particularly give a lot of advantages to our citizens,” Lukken said. “There could be thousands of new jobs opening around here in the near future, and some people, especially kids coming out of high school or college just don’t hear about the new positions.”

In addition to its Web site, the force would work with existing and future industries to understand their needs and to gain their participation. It would also conduct media announcements, participate in school meetings and organize student visits to Kia and its suppliers.

To maximize results, Troup County Works would form active relationships with with the state Labor Department and other work force development organizations.

Other plans include working with the speakers bureau to implement young sports heroes, celebrities and recent graduates to help deliver the message about opportunities and responsibilities that life often presents.

No meeting dates were announced.

Kenneth Thompson can be reached at kethompson@ lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 228.