Laurens County Resident “Skills Up” for Higher Earning Potential

September was Workforce Development Month in South Carolina. There is a real need for technically trained individuals. With short-term training a person can tap into careers with good earning potential and advancement opportunities.

Lynn Rogers from Laurens County is proof of that.

With just four months of training, supported by SC Wins Scholarship funding, the Laurens County mother skilled up, moved up and is earning more than she ever expected to.

More than two years into her journey, Lynn aims to inspire others with her story: she transitioned from a desk job to an action-packed Broach Operator role with automotive manufacturer ZF in Gray Court, joining their Upstate workforce of 3,000+.

“There’s just so much room to grow, it’s unbelievable,” she says, adding her mother once told her, ‘You’re not a tree. You can move.’”

Rogers’ CNC Certificate Program Credentials from Piedmont Technical College unlocked an occupation with a $42,000 median annual salary in the Upstate and 5.5% projected growth.

And it’s one of 15 in-demand technical occupations accessible with one year or less of technical training that the Upstate SC Alliance’s Skill Up initiative promotes to Upstate job seekers.

“Lynn’s story is an inspiration. She showcases the payoff that comes with pursuing new training combined with the stability and advancement that manufacturing careers can offer. The best part is that Lynn’s story is only one example of many short-term pathways that can quickly connect Upstate residents with in-demand careers,” said John Lummus, President & CEO, Upstate SC Alliance. “We hope Lynn inspires other individuals to explore Skill Up, find an occupation of interest, and reach out to their technical college to learn more.”

“We love to hear stories like this and are thrilled that Upstate SC Alliance chose to highlight Lynn Rogers,” said Whitney Lagrange Director of Marketing Laurens County Development Corporation. “Lynn’s journey serves as a prime example of the higher opportunities available right here in Laurens County.”

Are you interested in increasing your earning potential?

Programs are offered at each of the Upstate’s four technical colleges. Click HERE to learn about short-term training designed to give you in-demand skills.