South Carolina’s Technical College System is a role model for our nation and has shaped both the people and the economy of our state since its creation 55 years ago.
The Upstate Business Journal recently published an article by the Upstate SC Alliance that explored the ideas presented in the plastics event in Detroit, with voices from industries that have manufacturing operations within the Upstate and tying industry challenges to Clemson University research.
There’s more to Upstate research and development (R&D) than RPMs. The truth is that a great deal of R&D activity goes on unaccounted for in a variety of industries from medical devices to sporting goods.
So far this year, the Upstate has seen four new and three expansion announcements among advanced materials companies, with a total capital investment of $158,350,000 and 472 jobs.
The factories are the place where it’s happening … they’re clean, they’re challenging, they’ll provide a wage that is dramatically higher than any other you’ll find. The average wage in South Carolina is $37,000; the average wage in manufacturing is $54,000.
As airlines around the world work to address the demands of a global economy by expanding fleets and adjusting flight schedules, the industry is also seeking solutions to address the challenges of building a highly-skilled workforce to support the rapid growth.
Upstate South Carolina is a region that has always prided itself on its reputation for a dedicated, hard-working labor force. From the textile mills of decades past, to the manufacturing facilities found throughout the Upstate today, the workforce has been the key driver in the success of the 10-county region of Southwest South Carolina.
Read any industry piece on workforce development and the apparent challenges of filling the skills gap and you’ll see experts stressing the importance of companies, especially in manufacturing and engineering, having hands-on involvement in their local education centers.
A recent report from the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings demonstrates that Greenville Technical College ranks as one of the national leaders in value at two-year educational institutions.
Apprenticeship Carolina provides businesses in South Carolina with unique access to all the information and technical assistance they need to create demand-driven registered apprenticeship programs.
