South Carolina ranks fifth in nation for workforce training programs

South Carolina is the fifth-rated state for work force training, according to Expansion Management magazine’s July-August 2006 issue.

South Carolina consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for work force training and the reason for the state’s latest top-five showing, say the magazine’s editors, is the Center for Accelerated Technology Training and its streamlined work force training programs for new and expanding businesses.

“Having a ready supply of educated and trainable workers is still the No. 1 priority for any business executive who is considering opening up a new facility,” said Bill King, chief editor of Expansion Management. “Given the enormous capital expense incurred in expanding or relocating a manufacturing facility, any assistance a company can receive from state and local governments to meet its initial training needs may play a decisive role when that company is down to its short list of two or three competing locations and must make its final decision.”

The magazine conducts the poll every year, and South Carolina has never ranked lower than fifth place. It surveys more than 80 national site-selection companies in fields from call-center operations to manufacturing-specific consultants to other general full-service companies, said Ken Krizner, the magazine’s managing editor.

The poll consists of a single question in which the consultants are asked: “As you are investigating potential sites for your clients, what states in your experiences have the best work force training programs?”

Southeastern states dominated the rankings this year, with Alabama, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina making up the top five.