Gov. Nikki Haley recognized Chesterfield County on April 22 for achieving certification through the South Carolina Work Ready Communities (SCWRC) initiative.
“Our county has reached another milestone by achieving the SC Work Ready certification,” said Kim Burch, director of the Chesterfield County Economic Development Board. “We have a great workforce in Chesterfield County and every accomplishment we reach makes this County more attractive to not just new industrial prospects, but any entity that may look to make Chesterfield County their home.”
Six other counties were also recognized including: Barnwell, Darlington, Dillon, Lee, Lexington, and Marion counties.
Gov. Haley announced that now more than half of South Carolina’s counties are certified as work ready, continuing to outpace the nation in an initiative that showcases the skilled workforce that businesses require in a competitive economy.
“We are well on our way to becoming the nation’s first certified work ready state, and that is a huge reason to celebrate in every part of South Carolina,” Gov. Haley said. “This is a perfect example of Team South Carolina coming together to prove how committed we are to training a highly skilled workforce that is capable of meeting every need a company in our state may have.”
The SC Work Ready certification designates that Chesterfield County has met all needed workforce and education goals, and demonstrated to businesses that there is a strong local workforce and commitment to economic growth.
“Seven more counties gaining certification illustrates just how committed South Carolina is to developing a world-class workforce,” said Cheryl M. Stanton, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. “We have seen record employment highs in our state over the past year, and with more than half of South Carolina’s counties now certified as work ready communities, this will further pave the way to filling those open jobs with qualified workers.”
To become a South Carolina Work Ready Community, a county has to reach or exceed goals in earning National Career Readiness Certificates (achieved through WorkKeys® testing), meet or exceed the three-year graduation rate average or improvement percentage, and engage business support.
For additional information, visit www.scworkready.org.
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