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It was fitting that a Georgia Senate study committee tasked with identifying ways to “foster a robust workforce and thriving business environment” held its second meeting in Savannah Tuesday. They heard first-hand about the state’s need to build a workforce pool in that area – especially with the construction of the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant being built in neighboring Bryan County.

According to testimony from Maria Whitfield, Director of Workforce for the Savannah Harbor Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority, a study of workforce needs for the area has revealed that nearly 5,100 jobs will be created as a result of the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant (HMGMA). They anticipate that Hyundai will hire 500 employees by the end of this year. And the majority of the new hires will be from people already living in the U.S.

This number of hires does not include Gulfstream and other existing industries in the area that are also in need of workers.

Whitfield said the development authority recently commissioned a study of workforce needs, which estimates that all four counties in the area of the metaplant will hire between 17,750 employees from 2023-2031. But this is expected to take place over a 9-year ramp-up.

“For example, one company is projected to hire 87 in 2023, 260 in 2024, 130 in 2025 and another 130 in 2026,” she said.

With the projects of workforce needs, Whitfield said a number of existing industry partners are already looking at ways to retain workers including flexible work hours, bonuses, onsite childcare facilities, free lunches, and wellness and mental health benefits.

Whitfield said she has also been focused on youth workforce development, trying to “break the myth that trades and manufacturing careers are dirty or dead-end jobs” through participation in career discussions and job fairs.

The committee also heard from other stakeholders including the Savannah Chamber, Gulfstream, Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Restaurant Association, Daniel Defense, Military Council and Goodwill.

The Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce is chaired by state Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, and will hold meetings throughout the state this summer. They are expected to bring recommendations back to their colleagues in the 2024 legislative session.