Educated Workforce

Skilled Certification

In Abbeville County, the education and business development communities work closely to ensure that workers learn the skills they need to compete in today’s workforce. As part of that process, state and local leaders work hand-in-hand with companies to align course offerings with the needs of the business community. Two such programs, Apprenticeship Carolina and ReadySC, are helping to bolster the existing workforce while training the next generation.

Under ReadySC, companies creating new jobs in Abbeville County – whether through expansion or new investment – could be eligible for job pairing, recruiting and employment services assistance. Companies meeting certain requirements – such as creating direct employment, full-time, permanent positions – could qualify for the statewide program. Under this arrangement, a state employee becomes the point person for the business, assessing the company’s needs, helping to align job training to the needed skills, and leveraging other available resources, as well as advertising and recruiting for the open positions. During this past fiscal year, ReadySC trained approximately 4,700 individuals for 97 companies statewide. To learn more, click here.

Launched in 2007, Apprenticeship Carolina has seen tremendous growth in training thousands of workers in in-demand fields spanning a broad range of careers – from mechatronics and welding, to tourism, nursing and clerical positions. In 2007, Apprenticeship Carolina trained fewer than 800 workers in 90 federally registered programs. Today, more than 15,500 apprentices have been served in 788 registered programs, and the South Carolina effort is recognized as a national model. To learn more, click here.