Gov. Nikki Haley Forges Partnership to Boost S.C. Workforce Services
February 15, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – Governor Nikki Haley, along with a dozen state leaders, formalized a partnership Thursday that will boost South Carolina’s public workforce system, SC Works.
The ultimate goal is to unify numerous workforce programs into a single, integrated customer-focused network in each local community.
“Workforce development is critical to maintaining our state’s reputation as a top destination for businesses to invest and expand,” Gov. Haley said. “The business community has made it clear to me that it needs skilled workers. Businesses want to hire South Carolinians. The organizations that have come together today have the tools to ensure we have the skilled workforce for businesses now and far into the future. South Carolinians expect streamlined services that make their lives easier, and this new level of partnership among such diverse organizations will ultimately deliver services more efficiently to our businesses and citizens.”
The following agencies and organizations signed the partnership agreement:
- Office of the Governor (Office of Economic Opportunity)
- Department of Corrections
- Department of Juvenile Justice
- Department of Social Services
- Indian Development Council
- Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging
- Vocational Rehabilitation Department
- Department of Employment and Workforce
- Department of Education
- Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
- Job Corps
- SC Technical College System
“Our state is experiencing record levels of economic prosperity with more South Carolinians working than ever before thanks to Gov. Haley’s leadership and the effort of our workforce partners,” said Cheryl M. Stanton, executive director of the SC Department of Employment and Workforce. “The strategic partnership that has come together today will deliver better and more efficient results for South Carolinians.”
“It is refreshing to see so many state agencies and other partners working together collaboratively to make our workforce system more efficient,” said Rep. Mike Forrester. “Today is historic on many levels, but more importantly I look forward to the positive results and opportunity for South Carolinians.”
The formal partnership agreement is the culmination of discussions that began more than a year ago among agencies impacting workforce development. The initiative was spearheaded by the State Workforce Investment Board.
