More than 1,500 manufacturing firms participate in statewide survey
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Coordinating Council for Workforce Development (CCWD) met today to review the results of a statewide manufacturing workforce survey. Conducted by the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Research, the survey provides insight into workforce issues facing the state’s manufacturing industry. More than 70 percent of the survey’s respondents had 50 or fewer employees.
Illustrating the need to continue growing South Carolina’s workforce, an overwhelming majority of respondents indicated that the size of their workforce is expected to remain the same or increase over the next five years. Additionally, a large percentage of respondents indicated that retirement attrition at their company is expected to remain the same or increase over the next five years.
“One of the most important components toward meeting the workforce needs of industry in South Carolina is listening to our companies,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “The results of this survey provide us with great insight into how we can best train and develop South Carolina’s workforce for current and future job opportunities in this state.”
According to the survey, companies are least concerned about entry-level positions and positions that require high school diplomas. They are most concerned about positions that require four – 10 years’ experience or special skills certificates and management positions. For a snapshot of the survey’s results, click here.
Established through legislation passed in 2016, the CCWD is tasked with developing a comprehensive, collaborative workforce development strategy to meet current and future workforce needs. The 10-member council is chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and includes representation from K-12 education; the technical and community college system; research and four-year universities; workforce and economic development agency directors and presidents; and the private sector.