Tech schools foster jobs

Statewide apprenticeship program is beneficial to S.C. businesses.

Apprenticeship Carolina is one more example of the valuable contribution technical colleges make to the state.

In 2006, when the S.C. Chamber of Commerce envisioned a statewide apprentice program, it contacted the S.C. Technical College System to create it. While the concept might be simple, the execution requires the coordination of a variety of groups, with technical colleges at the hub.

Apprenticeship Carolina recruits workers for training in manufacturing, construction, health care, energy, information technology and tourism and hospitality jobs. Many spend time at tech schools learning basic skills but later work under the tutelage of company employees who pass on their skills and knowledge to a new generation of workers.

For years, South Carolina businesses have said the state's workforce lacks the skills needed in today's job market. The skills gap is a big factor in an unemployment rate hovering around 12 percent. Giving workers desirable job skills not only increases their prospects of finding a job but also makes the state attractive to prospective employers.

When the plan for Apprenticeship Carolina materialized in 2006, the state Legislature approved $1 million for the program. The result was a program that benefited both companies and workers.

Through the apprenticeships, companies train the workers they need and receive a tax break of $1,000 per apprentice per year for up to four years while they do it. The employees are gaining job skills that bring higher wages and a brighter career path.

And the apprenticeship program also keeps talented workers in South Carolina.

While many factors contribute to the success of this program, it certainly demonstrates the ability of the tech school system to identify the needs of the business community, develop programs to meet those needs and match workers with companies, benefiting both. And, ultimately, as economic activity increases, the entire state benefits.

Congratulations to all involved in this program.