MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Goodwill and The Salvation Army have joined forces to launch a program in Macon aimed at providing essential education and practical training for job seekers.

The initiative, a first in the nation, is designed to empower Middle Georgians with the skills required for in-demand careers.

“Our goal is to in that 90-day period really look with intensive career coaching, get people in industry credential training programs and then get them to an employer where they can get into a middle skill job and make a sustainable living wage,” Senior Vice President of Career Development for Goodwill, Leah Pontoni, said.

The program will offer a range of courses such as EKG technician, medical administrative assistant, forklift operator and logistics technician, all tailored to meet urgent workforce needs in various high-demand sectors.

To be eligible for this program, candidates from The Salvation Army must possess at least a high school diploma. This ensures the participants are well-prepared to engage in the intensive eight-week training courses.

The program is set to start next month.