By: Ivey Schofield, The News Reporter

Columbus County met all of its workforce readiness goals for 2020 set by the state, becoming the only “Work Ready” community in the region, according to Gary Lanier, director of the Columbus County Economic Development Commission.

These goals were the number of national career readiness certificates for high school and college students, workers currently in private and public businesses, and residents transitioning to a different career.

Gary Lanier, director of the Columbus County Economic Development Commission

“Some of them we have pretty much blown out of the water, especially ones related to our school system,” Lanier said.

Within the emerging workforce (high school and college students), the goal was 188 certificates. The county got 1,351.

In other areas, the goal for current workers within private and public businesses was 29, with 184 as the actual total by 2020. In addition, the goal for transitioning residents (those who are unemployed, recent veterans or attending adult education) was 57, with 6