A new career college, the Workforce Career Center, is set to open its doors on August 2, 2025, in West Midtown Atlanta. Located at 1073 Huff Rd NW, Suite C, the center is dedicated to training underserved populations for immediate job placement, offering tailored trade programs that align with the city’s workforce development initiatives.
Founded by Marion Skinner, the Workforce Career Center specializes in various industries, including construction, medical, artificial intelligence, and culinary arts. The institution is designed for students who might not follow traditional education routes and those in underserved communities needing direct pathways to secure employment.
“We focus on serving students who may not typically pursue traditional schooling,” said Skinner, who brings extensive experience in education and entrepreneurship since 2018. He has successfully established trade, vocational, and career schools across multiple states, fostering educational opportunities for those in need.
The choice of location in West Midtown was deliberate, emphasizing accessibility and proximity to public transportation, which greatly benefits the students attending classes. In addition to the Atlanta campus, the Workforce Career Center operates locations in Texas, Florida, and Maryland, creating a robust network of career training facilities across the country.
The center specifically targets two demographics: individuals aged 18-24 who are single parents, unemployed, underemployed, formerly incarcerated, or receiving government assistance, and those aged 25 and older facing analogous challenges, including those benefiting from SNAP or TANF, dislocated workers, or homemakers re-entering the workforce.
The programs offered encompass a range of in-demand industries. Medical training includes roles such as certified nursing assistants, phlebotomists, and patient care technicians. Additionally, transportation training features commercial driver’s license (CDL) preparation with components focused on dispatching and logistics. The technology sector offers training in fiber optics installation and data technician certification through a partnership with Data Bank.
Creative fields are well-represented, with programs in radio, television, and film, as well as graphic design, set design, and fashion design. The center also offers certifications for insurance adjusting and various construction trades, including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing programs. Designed to immerse students in real-world environments, the facility equips them with hands-on experience, ensuring they are prepared for immediate employment upon graduation.
Skinner’s entrepreneurial journey has significantly influenced this educational venture. His background includes notable achievements in the music industry and marketing, alongside the establishment of a successful trucking company serving major clients like FedEx and Amazon. He also contributed to expanding HelloFresh operations in Texas, demonstrating his diverse skill set.
The inspiration for the Workforce Career Center arose when Skinner discovered available state funding for CDL training. This realization prompted the idea to train drivers directly, circumventing reliance on traditional educational pathways.
In September 2024, Skinner was approached by Georgia workforce officials to replicate his successful model from Texas in Georgia. After accepting their invitation, he took possession of the Atlanta facility on May 1, 2025, and quickly initiated preparations for its opening.
The establishment aligns with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ focus on youth development and workforce training, aiming to upskill individuals aged 16-24 and equip them with marketable trades for direct workforce entry. This initiative not only addresses individual economic mobility but also contributes to broader citywide economic development goals.
“We hope students will gain the ability to provide a better life for themselves and their families through education and improved job opportunities,” Skinner stated.
The center’s primary mission focuses on training students and placing them in jobs upon program completion. By emphasizing rapid workforce entry over extended academic programs, the Workforce Career Center addresses the immediate needs of underserved populations while fulfilling the demand for skilled workers across multiple industries.
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