SC Manufacturers Announce Initiatives Designed to Foster a World-Class Workforce
(Isle of Palms, SC) – In recognition of National Manufacturing Day on October 6, the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) announced a historic partnership with the University of South Carolina (USC) designed to foster a world-class workforce.
The announcement occurred at the 2nd Annual SC Manufacturing Summit with USC leadership, business leaders, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. The event also included the release of an industry compensation report and a proclamation ceremony naming October as Manufacturing Month to celebrate the importance of the industry in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina’s manufacturing sector has experienced significant growth with more than 60,000 new jobs and $28.4 billion in capital investments announced since 2017. A major contributor to this success is the state’s pro-business environment and highly skilled workforce. To ensure continued future prosperity, SCMA, through its workforce and education affiliate, SC Future Makers (SCFM), and USC have launched two programs designed to foster South Carolina's future manufacturing talent and grow and develop the next generation of industry leaders.
The South Carolina Manufacturing Leadership Program (SCMLP) will provide a curriculum that will enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of current and rising South Carolina manufacturing business leaders. The program recognizes the need to develop our executive talent in order to meet the dual goals of maintaining and growing our state’s robust manufacturing industry. Partnering with the Executive Education Center at the Darla Moore School of Business, the program will include these areas of study: Global Growth, Organizational Strategy, Advancements in Technology, Supply Chain Management, Corporate Culture, Leadership and Personal Development. Through this intensive one-year experience participants will learn from internationally recognized faculty, accompanied by business leaders and subject matter experts from across the State’s manufacturing industry. Graduates of the SCMLP will receive an industry-recognized credential. The launch of SCMLP is made possible through the generous support of The Boeing Company, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy and Sage Automotive Interiors. Interested applicants and employers can learn more and apply here. Programming begins in January 2024.
The South Carolina Internship Program provides hundreds of USC students throughout its eight-campus system with a $3,000 stipend for internships in high-demand industries. Made possible through the support of the South Carolina General Assembly, internships have an industry focus in the fields of advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy, health and life sciences, and financial services. Currently, there are 35 South Carolina manufacturing companies utilizing the program. Companies interested in participating can visit the internship site for additional information.
“Manufacturers are keenly aware that the industry’s future success is directly tied to a skilled and ready workforce,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the SCMA. “Through this partnership with USC, the manufacturing community is taking actionable steps to strengthen our pipeline of South Carolinians who will lead advanced manufacturing operations and have meaningful and rewarding careers.”
“South Carolina is one of the best manufacturing states in the country because of our skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, and competitive spirit. To grow and maintain the industry, we must invest in both the current and future workforce, and I could not be prouder of this historic partnership between SCMA and USC,” said Tommy Preston, VP of Global Ethics of The Boeing Company and SCMA Chair. “I am confident that this collaborative and strategic approach that blends academia and real industry experience will allow South Carolina manufacturing employees to gain the skills necessary to thrive in this global sector.”
“USC recognizes that, in today’s global marketplace, our graduates must be equipped with the vital skills and real-world work experience to compete for high-demand jobs and to succeed as leaders in their fields,” USC President Michael Amiridis said. “Our collaboration with SCMA and its members is a critical component in our efforts to prepare a world-class workforce for our state.”
In addition to the workforce programs, SCMA and SCFM announced the findings of the 2023 South Carolina Manufacturers’ Compensation and Benefits Report that benchmarked local pay rates, practices, and benefits offered by South Carolina manufacturers. Conducted by the Newport Group, the survey’s findings provide useful information for manufacturers to evaluate pay rates, compensation practices, and other factors important to ensuring competitiveness in the state’s tight labor market. To request a copy of the study, contact Elisabeth Kovacs at kovacs@myscma.com.
"Our manufacturing industry's ability to generate tens of thousands of high-paying jobs and attract billions of dollars in new investment has helped South Carolina usher in a new era of prosperity for our state and people," said SC Governor Henry McMaster. "These new initiatives will further develop our already world-class workforce and build upon our reputation as the best place in the country for manufacturers to do business."
In a 2021 economic impact study conducted by SC Future Makers, key impact figures indicated that:
A copy of the proclamation can be viewed here.
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Application here.
Proclamation here.
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to strengthen and advance South Carolina manufacturing by advocating for our members, fostering a world-class workforce, and bringing together manufacturers to connect, share, and solve industry challenges. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 100,000 associates in South Carolina.
SC Future Makers
SC Future Makers is an initiative of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance that connects emerging talent with opportunities in advanced manufacturing and other industries throughout South Carolina. Since its debut in 2016, SC Future Makers has worked with more than 130,000 South Carolinians and more than 200 South Carolina high schools.
University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
