Local employer Webstrong to hire Dougherty County students; signing day set for May 12
April 30, 2026 | Dougherty County, School Districts, Georgia
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Webstrong’s recruitment manager told the Dougherty County School System board the company’s Albany facility has hired students through a work‑based learning partnership and plans a May 12 signing day to celebrate full‑time offers.
"We employ more than 500 people here in Southwest Georgia," Jay Houston said in a presentation to the board, describing Webstrong’s career pathways and how the company partnered with the district’s CTE director to identify second‑semester seniors for paid work‑based learning. She said 25 students applied, 13 were employed during the second semester, and six had accepted or were being offered full‑time positions.
Houston described wages and benefits: first‑shift entry pay of $17/hour (about $40,000 a year with overtime), off‑shift pay at about $20/hour, immediate eligibility for four weeks of PTO, health/dental/vision insurance, eight emergency days, and a 401(k) with a 50% company match. She said team members receive training, career‑advancement opportunities and employer‑provided support services including mental‑health resources and online learning tools.
The company invited board members, students, parents and staff to a signing‑day event at 1520 Mitchell Avenue on May 12. Houston said the work‑based learning program will run again next year with adjustments to screening to expand participation.
Why it matters: Work‑based learning and direct employer partnerships provide paid opportunities and career pathways for high‑school students; the program offers immediate earnings, benefits and potential long‑term retention in the local labor market.
What’s next: The district will publicize the May 12 signing day and follow up on program expansion plans for next academic year.
"We employ more than 500 people here in Southwest Georgia," Jay Houston said in a presentation to the board, describing Webstrong’s career pathways and how the company partnered with the district’s CTE director to identify second‑semester seniors for paid work‑based learning. She said 25 students applied, 13 were employed during the second semester, and six had accepted or were being offered full‑time positions.
Houston described wages and benefits: first‑shift entry pay of $17/hour (about $40,000 a year with overtime), off‑shift pay at about $20/hour, immediate eligibility for four weeks of PTO, health/dental/vision insurance, eight emergency days, and a 401(k) with a 50% company match. She said team members receive training, career‑advancement opportunities and employer‑provided support services including mental‑health resources and online learning tools.
The company invited board members, students, parents and staff to a signing‑day event at 1520 Mitchell Avenue on May 12. Houston said the work‑based learning program will run again next year with adjustments to screening to expand participation.
Why it matters: Work‑based learning and direct employer partnerships provide paid opportunities and career pathways for high‑school students; the program offers immediate earnings, benefits and potential long‑term retention in the local labor market.
What’s next: The district will publicize the May 12 signing day and follow up on program expansion plans for next academic year.
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