On Friday, June 26th, Rebecca Hunt, Public Service Faculty with the University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, joined MAX to discuss how population trends and other changing demographics are reshaping Georgia’s workforce and what this means for workforce professionals. Hunt emphasized that many of today’s workforce challenges are rooted in demographic shifts rather than labor market conditions alone. Georgia continues to experience strong population growth, but much of that growth is occurring among adults age 65 and older, making it increasingly important to strengthen workforce participation, expand talent pipelines, and prepare for a rapidly changing economy.
The session also explored the growing influence of artificial intelligence, changing educational pathways, and the need for stronger collaboration across education, industry, and workforce development to prepare Georgia’s future workforce.
Some key highlights from Hunt’s presentation include:
- Demographics are driving workforce change. Georgia’s population continues to grow, but an increasing share of that growth is among older adults, while birth rates continue to decline, creating long-term implications for the future labor force.
- Labor force participation remains strong among prime-age workers. Although overall participation rates have declined, much of the decrease reflects an aging population rather than a shrinking workforce, with participation among adults ages 25â64 remaining robust.
- Workforce barriers extend beyond jobs. Childcare availability, housing affordability, educational attainment, caregiving responsibilities, and health challenges continue to limit workforce participation for many Georgians.
- Education pathways are diversifying. While college enrollment has declined, more students are pursuing technical education, apprenticeships, industry credentials, and direct entry into the workforce, highlighting the importance of multiple pathways to career success.
- Early talent pipeline development is essential. Strong partnerships among Kâ12 education, postsecondary institutions, employers, and workforce organizations were identified as critical to preparing future workers and helping young people understand career opportunities available within their communities.
- Artificial intelligence is changing work. However, rather than replacing workers wholesale, organizations are increasingly exploring how AI can improve productivity and enhance work. The session lifted up the importance of preparing both educators and workers to use AI effectively while maintaining essential human skills.
Special thanks to MAX Minutes co-lead Jacque Joyce, president & CEO of CareerRise, for hosting this session.
Click here for the preentation slides.
Click here for the recording.
ABOUT MAX MINUTES
Launched in 2014, the mission of MAX is to advance economic resilience in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
Through our webinar series, MAX Minutes, MAX seeks to bring timely insights to providers, intermediaries, and other partners in workforce. MAX Minutes features talks by key experts in the Atlanta region and beyond on important workforce matters.