Georgians deserve a Labor Commissioner who understands that supporting workers is the key to growing Georgia’s economy. Whether someone is searching for a new job, learning new skills to advance in their current career, or rebuilding after a setback, Christian believes the Department of Labor should be a partner every step of the way.
For too long, working people have felt left behind by systems that are supposed to help them. Rural communities struggle to access services. Parents are forced to choose between work and childcare. Young people graduate without clear pathways into stable careers. Christian Wise Smith believes Georgia can do better.
As Labor Commissioner, Christian will work to build a Department of Labor that is modern, accessible, and focused on people — not bureaucracy. He believes every Georgian deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of where they live, what they look like, or how much money they have.
Christian’s Department of Labor Will Support Georgia’s Workforce By:
- Expanding Department of Labor access across the state so workers in rural, suburban, and urban communities can get the help they need close to home
- Modernizing workforce development programs to better connect workers with high-demand, good-paying jobs
- Providing wraparound support services — including childcare assistance, transportation resources, career counseling, and training opportunities — so working families can succeed
- Partnering with employers, technical colleges, unions, and community organizations to strengthen Georgia’s workforce pipeline
- Improving job training and re-entry opportunities for veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and displaced workers
- Investing in career pathways that prepare Georgians for the future economy, including skilled trades, healthcare, logistics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing
Christian understands that workforce development is not just about filling jobs — it is about creating opportunity, stability, and dignity for working people.
Apprenticeship Programs: The Gateway to a Brighter Future
For Christian, creating opportunities for young people is deeply personal.
As a prosecutor, he saw firsthand how too many young adults fell into the criminal justice system because Georgia invested more in punishment than prevention. He saw talented young people who simply lacked access to mentorship, training, and career opportunities. Christian believes we must build a stronger “school-to-success” pipeline that gives every young Georgian a real chance to thrive.
That starts with expanding apprenticeships and hands-on career training opportunities across the state.
As Labor Commissioner, Christian Will:
- Establish apprenticeship program pipelines in every public high school across Georgia so students can explore meaningful careers before graduation
- Partner with organized labor, trade unions, technical colleges, and employers to expand access to accredited apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs
- Promote paid, hands-on learning opportunities that allow young adults to earn while they learn instead of taking on overwhelming debt
- Connect students to careers in high-demand industries like construction, healthcare, technology, logistics, clean energy, and manufacturing
- Ensure rural communities and underserved schools have equal access to workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities
- Build stronger partnerships between schools and local industries so students graduate with practical skills and direct pathways into the workforce
Christian believes every young person deserves more than just a diploma — they deserve a future.