Hands-On Program Connects Company to Workforce, Students to Careers

Nucor’s NuCareers Program

COLUMBIA, SC – July 21, 2009 –   Even with South Carolina’s unemployment rate reported as the nation’s fourth highest in June, some companies still have trouble finding the skilled workers they need. A recent partnership between the Midlands Education and Business Alliance (MEBA), the Swansea-based facility of Nucor Building Systems, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunity is designed to address this workforce shortage while also providing students with a hands-on look at the world of work and a possible future career.

According to Lisa Call, MEBA’s chief operating officer, Nucor’s NuCareers is the ultimate win-win. “Not only will it help meet Nucor’s workforce needs, but by connecting students to their futures, it has the potential to positively impact the high school drop-out rate and future unemployment.”

Al Behr, general manager of Nucor’s Swansea facility, agrees and emphasizes the importance of “letting local students know about the great career opportunities available in their own backyard.”

The two-day course begins with close collaboration between Nucor representatives and participating schools’ math and career development personnel to ensure the course curriculum is aligned with current classroom learning. On day one students review the basic concepts and mathematical calculations of geometry and trigonometry. Guided by Nucor representatives, students work together in small groups to calculate needed measurements on a blueprint for a small-scale project. Throughout the process these representatives share their own stories and career paths with the students, hoping to connect and inspire.

Nucor’s Clay Smith shows White Knoll High School students the finished 3-D cut-out they designed and created during the two-day NuCareers course.

“Part of my drive for participating in this project is to help students like me,” explains Barry Williams, Nucor’s detailing department supervisor. A self-proclaimed “average student,” Williams was not interested in attending a four-year college. Bright and hard working, he only needed an opportunity to prove himself. That opportunity came when he joined Nucor as a detailer. Learning the job from the ground up, in little more than a year and a half, Williams was promoted to group leader and now serves as the department’s supervisor. “I want these students to know that not everyone needs to follow the same path to be successful. If you apply yourself, you can have a successful and enjoyable career.”

Day two of the NuCareers program begins with a company overview, highlighting available careers and the character traits Nucor looks for in its employees such as commitment to safety, accountability, honesty and work ethic. The course culminates with a welding demonstration using AutoCAD and the students’ calculations to create a 3-D model cut-out of the school’s emblem or mascot. A portable welding unit assembles the 3-D model onsite. From conception to completion, students are involved in every step of a process that brings learning to life.

Students from Barnwell Career Center and Swansea and White Knoll High Schools have participated in Nucor’s NuCareers course. Nucor plans to continue the program and work with more schools during the 2009-2010 school year. To view photos from this year’s NuCareers program, check out MEBA’s online photo gallery at www.mebasc.com/photos.

Midlands Education and Business Alliance

Midlands Education and Business Alliance connects students, parents and educators to career opportunities through business partnerships, training and resources. For more information about MEBA, please visit our website at www.mebasc.com.