Workforce Development

The Upper Savannah Council of Governments Workforce Development Division assists employers and job seekers in the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda.

Businesses can get assistance recruiting and screening qualified candidates. Training and retention assistance is also available. For a full menu of business services please follow this link: https://upperscworks.com/employers/business-services-menu/

Statistical information about the area’s labor market is available upon request.

Individual job seekers can get help finding and applying for job openings. Information about educational and job training programs is available. One-hour workshops on a variety of subjects are offered at SC Works Centers. For individuals who are eligible for the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) and are willing to invest in themselves. Specialized services including career counseling, internship opportunities and training may be available.

A comprehensive youth program for economically disadvantaged youth between the ages of 14 – 21 offers activities such as internships, mentoring and occupational skill training.

The Workforce Development Division carries out the policies developed by the Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board. It uses funds from the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) and leverages other resources to operate a regional workforce development system. WIOA contractors in this system include the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, Department of Social Services, The Commission of the Blind, Adult Education and the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department.

The Key to the success of the system is the cooperation of partners. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department, GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, Department of Social Services, the Commission for the Blind, Adult Education and other agencies work with the Workforce Development Division to operate SC Works Centers.

For more information on the Upper Savannah SC Works System, visit the web site at www.upperscworks.com, or contact the Workforce Development staff at 864-941-8050, or e-mail at work@uppersavannah.com.

Workforce Development Board

The Workforce Development Division carries out the policies developed by the Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board. It uses funds from the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act and leverages other resources to operate a regional workforce development system. Workforce Investment Act contractors in this system include the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, Department of Social Services, Adult Education and the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department.

On the Job Training Program

Hire the right talent and save! Get reimbursed for 50-75% of the costs to train new employees. Growing your business is as simple as 1, 2, 3:

1. Tell Us Your Hiring Needs
   You will be asked to provide some basic information about your business, the position(s) you need to fill, and any employees training you currently conduct.
2. Develop the Right Training Plan
   We will provide you with a standard training plan for the position you need to fill. You can either use the training plan “as is” or work with us to customize it for your specific position. You will use this as a guide to train your new employee(s).
3. Begin Training Within 1-2 Weeks
   Select the candidate of your choice, and you could begin training in as little as 1-2 weeks. Training may last up to 12 weeks. Candidate must be WIOA eligible prior to hire.

To find out more about the OJT Program, contact Kal Kunkel, Workforce Development Director at (864) 941-8074 or e-mail at kkunkel@uppersavannah.com

WIN

WIN is an assessment tool that measures workforce readiness, academic achievement and helps employers match skills with job requirements. Upper Savannah’s Workforce Development Program sometimes uses WIN as an assessment tool.

Workforce Development Board – Some of the Workforce Development goals include improving educational attainment, strengthening soft skills and preparing youth for careers. The board is focused on assisting advanced manufacturing, healthcare and small business with workforce needs. SC Works Centers will be the focal point for job seeker and business services activities.