Partnering for the Workforce of Tomorrow: Work Experience Program Announced

January 22, 2015

Partnering for the Workforce of Tomorrow: Work Experience Program Announced image

A new economic development program that will offer paid work experience opportunities for Central Carolina Technical College Industrial & Engineering Technology students was unveiled on January 22nd at the Central Carolina Technical College’s Main Campus in Sumter.  The program – called WE (Work Experience) is a partnership between Central Carolina Technical College; Santee-Lynches Workforce Investment Board; Sumter Economic Development; industries in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties; and the Industrial & Engineering Technology students. 

A group of 19 students who have been selected to participate in WE were recognized at the event.  These students, who are the first group to enter the WE program represent the top students in the fields of Welding, Engineering Graphics Technology, Mechatronics and CNC Machine Tool programs. 

Funded by the Workforce Investment Board, this program will give students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience over the course of 200 hours to make them more competitive in the job market.  Local industries who are participating in this program (see list below} – will be able to better attract and target local skilled students to fill available positions.  The will also develop a pipeline of prospective employees for high-technology careers.

Addressing the students, Jay Schwedler, President and CEO of Sumter Economic Development in addition to TheLINK economic development alliance, reinforced that talent is the key to economic development success. 

“WE is another example of our community’s ability to partner on issues that impact us all,” he said.  “Today is another shining example of business, industry, government and education coming together to provide the foundation for improving our number one economic development asset – our talent.”

Participating Industries:

Becton-Dickinson

Canfor Corporation

Caterpillar, Inc.

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC

The Coca Cola Company

Eaton Corporation

Georgia-Pacific, LLC

Johnny’s Welding Service

Kaydon Corporation

Manchester Fluid Power

Mancor Industries

Meritor, Inc.

Mid-State tooling

Powell Valves

Singleton Steel Company, LLC

Smoak Irrigation Co.

Wolfe Mechanical & Equipment Supply