South Carolina a fully certified Work Ready state

For Immediate Release
Kristin Coulter
July 6, 2016

SOUTH CAROLINA A FULLY CERTIFIED WORK READY STATE

COLUMBIA—Gov. Nikki Haley announced today that the final two counties, Jasper and Richland, have received certification through the South Carolina Work Ready Communities (SCWRC) initiative, making South Carolina the first state in the nation to become fully certified as work ready. All 46 counties have met the specified workforce and education goals.

Being fully certified will assist all regions of South Carolina in their efforts to attract and retain international business development due to its commitment to economic growth and development of a robust workforce pipeline.

“We couldn’t be more excited to announce that South Carolina is the first state in the nation to have every county become certified work ready. Team South Carolina’s is paying off – we have seen our state become one of the most competitive environments for business development in the world, and we’re just getting started,” Gov. Haley said. “Today is a day to celebrate as South Carolina becomes the first state in the nation to have every county certified work ready,” said Cheryl M. Stanton, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. “With our commitment to the Work Ready initiative and the continued development of a skilled workforce, it is not surprising that employment numbers have been at historic highs over the last year, and companies continue to expand and choose South Carolina as the place to do business.”

The South Carolina Work Ready Community initiative provides a framework to strengthen economic development using a community-based approach, grounded in certifying counties as work ready.

To become a South Carolina Work Ready Community, each county had to reach or exceed goals in earning National Career Readiness Certificates (achieved through WorkKeys® testing), had to meet or exceed the three-year graduation rate average or improvement percentage, and had to engage business support.

A map of South Carolina’s 46 certified counties is available here.

For additional information, visit www.scworkready.org.
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About SCDEW
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency invests in building a pipeline of quality workers, matches workers with jobs, and is a bridge for individuals who find themselves out of work for no fault of their own. This promotes financial stability and economic prosperity for employers, individuals and communities. SCDEW is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services that meet the needs of the state’s businesses, jobseekers and those looking to advance their careers.

 

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