A commitment for high school student opportunities and for Spartanburg’s future talent

Work-Based Programs Signing Day Media Brief

What is work-based learning?

Work-based learning opportunities like internships, apprenticeships, co-ops, micro-internships, externships, and others, benefit employers with 80% of employers citing internship programs as the candidate-sourcing technique with the best ROI.

Businesses found that employees hired through a WBL program had higher 1-year and 5-year retention rates, a key statistic for any company looking to recruit and keep talent.

Students benefit as well, earning soft skills training and increasing their likelihood of securing a full-time job by 85%.

What’s the purpose of the signing day?

OneSpartanburg, Inc. has worked with employers from across Spartanburg County to host high school students in meaningful work-based learning opportunities during summer 2026, with the goal of placing 600 students in WBL programs.

All industries and career paths will provide meaningful experiences for participating students, but particular attention is being given to WBL programs in the industries of highest-need across Spartanburg County:

• Health care
• Hospitality
• Transportation and logistics
• Education
• Local government

“Work-based learning programs are a critical tool for Spartanburg to build a strong talent pipeline and to nurture our future talent pool. The fundamental aim of work-based learning is for employers to impart crucial knowledge, essential skills, and practical experience to students, facilitating their professional growth. By establishing talent pipelines through work-based learning, Spartanburg employers contribute to the overall talent ecosystem while also gaining access to a pool of vetted candidates familiar with their company’s culture, processes, and expectations.” – OneSpartanburg, Inc. Chief Talent Officer Ron Garner

The Talent Pledge

“We, the undersigned employers of Spartanburg, commit to hold open work-based learning opportunities for high school upperclassmen during the Summer of 2026. These internships will be of high quality, competitively paid (where possible), contribute to our goals , and provide critical development for our interns’ professional careers. Further, we commit to consider future work-based learning opportunities as a continual commitment to Spartanburg’s talent ecosystem.”

Solidified WBL offerings for summer 2026

• Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: 100
• Hospitality Industry: Up to 100
• Spartanburg County School Districts: 70 (10 at each district)
• Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport: Up to 50
• Municipalities across Spartanburg County: 20
• Small Businesses, supported by Power Up Spartanburg: Up to 100
• Spartanburg County: 100