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South Carolina has a lot to be proud of, including our workforce and great jobs available statewide thanks to our vibrant and thriving business community! More people are working in our state than ever before, and more are needed. Knowing more about these jobs helps students, jobseekers, and employers.

The state's business community is incredibly diverse, with frequent job postings in fields ranging from aerospace to manufacturing to tourism to healthcare and everything in between. That means South Carolinians have a wide selection of jobs to pursue in every region of the state. The keys are understanding the skills, training, and education required, the wage and career growth offered, the regional job demand, and as importantly, how to effectively connect with employers for a successful hiring process and fulfilling work life. 

Over the summer, DEW launched Explore SC@Work, an initiative designed to shine a spotlight on hundreds of jobs across numerous industries available right here in the Palmetto State. With so many opportunities available, it is important for parents, students, educators, and job seekers to learn more about these opportunities, where they are, and how they or their children can prepare for and connect with these jobs. 

Showcasing a variety of occupations – ranging from more commonly known ones, like an accountant, to more technical positions, such as a tire technician – Explore SC@Work invites residents of all ages to take a closer look at the many openings South Carolina has to offer and what each job entails. The goal is to challenge assumptions about work and broaden the awareness of the jobs that are available. For instance, students or jobseekers may not realize the high demand for computer programmers or EMTs in their area, or they may not have heard of CNC machinists or the increasingly modern, high-tech places where they work.

For each featured occupation, Explore SC@Work answers questions, like:

• What kind of skills are needed for this job?
• What are the typical duties like? 
• How much money can an employee expect to earn?
• What kind of education or credentials are needed? 
• How much experience or training does the job require?
• Examples of employers offering these jobs
• And more

In addition, some jobs are categorized as Priority Occupations and designated with a badge. What are Priority Occupations? They are jobs identified in South Carolina’s new Unified State Plan based on:

• Current demand
• Projected growth
• Viability
• Retention

 

Knowing more about all career opportunities, including Priority Occupations, helps South Carolinians make informed choices about the wide variety of jobs and how to prepare for and connect with employers in our state.

All of the Explore SC@Work information is available online, printable, and through social media, so businesses can highlight actual job postings or share with local educators or students. Businesses interested in data specific to an industry or region, contact us at [email protected]. 

Browse the more than three dozen occupations currently featured on the Explore SC@Work webpage at dew.sc.gov/explore. Occupations will be added weekly and highlighted on DEW’s social media platforms. As the campaign evolves, more jobs and additional resources, including a booklet, videos, educational materials, and career pathways sheets, will be added to the Explore SC@Work webpage. If you have an occupation you think should be featured, email your suggestion to [email protected].

South Carolina is a wonderful place to work and live, thanks to the business community and our workforce. Explore SC@Work is a great way to learn about great careers and opportunities from the from the mountains of the upstate, through the beautiful cities and rural areas, down to the coast.

William Floyd is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and chairperson of South Carolina’s Coordinating Council for Workforce Development.