Workforce

Trained, able and qualified workers ready to excel. A wide variety of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services are also available to strengthen the competitive edge of businesses.

• Employment: Employment has been projected to grow 11% between 2006 and 2016. 
• Export-Related Jobs: According to the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, in 2008 export-supported jobs linked to manufacturing accounted for an estimated 9.2% of South Carolina's total private-sector employment, tied for the 4th highest share among the states.  Almost 29% of all manufacturing employees in South Carolina depend on exports for their jobs, the 2nd highest share in the United States and well above the United States average of 22%.
• High-Tech: Employees in high-tech jobs number almost 120,000, which is 7.8% of the state’s private sector employment, according to employment data using NAICS codes from Science and Engineering Indicators 2006.
• Manufacturing: Accounts for 11.5% of the state’s nonagricultural workforce. Manufacturing sectors classified as Advanced Manufacturing, including the chemical, electrical, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries have grown faster than the national average. The average hourly manufacturing wage in South Carolina for 2008 was $15.92.  
• Rankings: South Carolina is among 10 states with the lowest cost of labor on Business Facilities' 2009 Rankings Report. The ranking is based on unionization, unemployment, insurance, workers' compensation premiums, hourly pay in manufacturing, average annual pay in the private sector and average employer cost for an "employee plus one" health care premium. Source: Business Facilities, July 2009. CNBC ranks South Carolina's cost of doing business 5th and the state's workforce 6th best in the nation. The cost of doing business ranking is based on taxes and the cost of utilities, wages, workers' compensation and office and industrial rent. The workforce ranking is based on quality and availability of workers as well as workforce training and union membership. Source: CNBC America's Top States for Business, July 2009.
• Right-to-Work: South Carolina is a right-to-work state and has one of the lowest unionization rates in the U.S., ranking 3rd lowest at 3.9%. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labore Statistics, Jan. 28, 2009, data are 2008. 
• Workers’ Comp Reform: In 2007, the state’s workers’ compensation system was reformed to stop increasing insurance rates and inject predictability and consistency into the state’s system. The reforms include abolishment of the Second Injury Fund, effective July 1, 2007, stronger language for costly “repetitive trauma” claims, stricter requirements for medical expert testimony and changes to the “50% back” rule.
• Workforce Investment Act (WIA): In South Carolina, WIA seeks to meet the needs of businesses for skilled workers and the training, education and employment needs of individuals. Key components of WIA enable customers to get the information and services they need through the “One-Stop” system, empower adults to obtain the training they find most appropriate through individual training accounts and ensure that all state and local programs meet customer expectations. Training providers apply to a local Workforce Development Board for certification as an eligible training provider to receive WIA funds. The WIA in the state has grown to serve more than 14,000 workers and 200 businesses annually through training.
• WorkKeys®: Job skills assessment system measuring real-world skills.
• Virtual OneStop System: This system provides assistance to job seekers or students searching for the right job and helps employers looking for the best job candidates. The site is a hub for South Carolina’s workforce services and focused on job openings and job candidates.
• WIN Strategic Compass®: Designed to guide the integration of economic indicators, policies, programs and related resources with a state’s or region’s economic priorities. This online service is a unique tool that can be accessed by multiple stakeholders interested in the economic well-being of a specific geographic region.