New program to offer pre-apprenticeship training

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Richland County School District One and Apprenticeship Carolina have certified the state’s first pre-apprenticeship program in career fields including health science, transportation, hospitality, agriculture and media technology.

The registered programs will integrate a training curriculum based on industry standards with hands-on training and simulated labs or volunteer opportunities.

Twenty-one pre-apprenticeship students are currently enrolled in the programs, which also include construction, manufacturing, automotive technology and engineering.

“This forward-thinking approach to skills development will provide unprecedented opportunities for our students," Craig Witherspoon, Richland One superintendent, said in a news release. “We are excited to be the first school district in the state to provide this innovative direction forward for our students. They will learn in-demand skills and be provided a clear pathway to meeting both their educational and career goals.”

Employers interested in participating in the pre-apprenticeship program can contact Apprenticeship Carolina at 803-896-5287 or visit www.apprenticeshipcarolina.com.

Apprenticeship Carolina is part of the SC Technical College System, which includes 16 colleges statewide.

“A pre-apprenticeship program provides a wonderful opportunity to build a workforce pipeline with talented young people ready to learn,” Tim Hardee, president of the SC Technical College System, said. “Apprenticeship Carolina and the technical colleges across our state are committed to building South Carolina's skilled workforce with partnerships like this with Richland One.”