In 2015, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo Cars both announced the establishment of significant manufacturing operations in the Lowcountry. A milestone for the region and entire state, the announcements presented an opportunity for Team South Carolina to flex its workforce development muscles.
In an area relatively new to automotive manufacturing, several thousand skilled workers were suddenly in demand. To meet the needs of these employers, S.C. Commerce collaborated with the S.C. Technical College System – and specifically with Trident Technical College – to establish the Trident Technical College Workforce Training Center.
Although the center had already been in use for a few years, earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz Vans celebrated the start of its training operations at the facility. The company’s training activity comes on the heels of an announcement that it has begun hiring for a third shift, with the goal of reaching full employment – 1,300 associates – by 2020.
More than just a resource for the Lowcountry’s growing automotive sector, the Trident Technical College Workforce Training Center is expected to be a critical workforce development tool for years to come. By collaborating with industry partners to provide the most innovative training possible, Team South Carolina will be able to connect our citizens with job opportunities and meet the talent needs of employers that have decided to call our state home.