Governor Henry McMaster Announces September as Workforce Development Month

Activities and Job Fairs Planned Throughout the Month to Celebrate and Empower South Carolina’s Workforce

Columbia, S.C. – It is time for South Carolina’s annual celebration of Workforce Development Month, beginning September 1, 2024. The month will highlight multiple ways for our state’s citizens to prepare for and connect with careers and related resources, such as the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce’s (DEW) recently launched Explore SC@Work campaign, job fairs, hiring events, workshops, training, rural outreach, conferences and symposiums, and many other activities. Workforce Development Month is a great time to learn more about the excellent employment opportunities in our state and about the next steps required to obtain those jobs.

“Our workforce is the heart of what makes South Carolina one of the best places to live, work, and do business. Thanks to bold investments in developing our skilled talent, our communities are stronger and our state is attracting more jobs than ever before,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “During Workforce Development Month, I encourage people and employers to learn more about the wealth of resources dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities, driving prosperity, and helping our state thrive.”

Governor McMaster will present the official proclamation to DEW Executive Director William H. Floyd, III, at the Workforce Symposium on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Hosted by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the Workforce Symposium is filled with presentations and panels to discuss and share best practices and innovative strategies for workforce strength, such as recruiting, training, and retaining workers. In addition, there will be a deep dive into the State Unified State Plan, recently publicized by the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development (CCWD).

The event will bring together professionals, business leaders, educators, and government officials to engage in meaningful conversations about the needs of the workforce and the measures to meet them. Please visit the 2024 Workforce Symposium page to learn more about the event and register to attend.

“The number of people working in South Carolina is at an all-time high, but business continues expanding, and there are thousands of jobs available for individuals looking for work. Workforce Development Month is an opportunity for DEW and partner agencies to demonstrate the programs available for jobseekers and employers to help them connect,” said DEW Executive Director William Floyd. “This past year has been impactful, partly because the CCWD has worked to develop the Unified State Plan, which will serve as a framework for workforce activities. The plan helps partners work together with a common vision to have a stronger effect on the state. Workforce Development Month is one way that we are already implementing this vision each year.”

Initiatives have been planned statewide and by local workforce areas that focus on supporting South Carolinians at every stage of their professional journey, from students exploring career opportunities to jobseekers looking for their next career move, to experienced workers seeking to upgrade existing skills.

Want to learn more about Workforce Development Month activities and participate in events? Visit dew.sc.gov/wdm to find an interactive map that shows all of your local area’s upcoming events, featured employers, a Workforce Development Month branding toolkit, and much more. Keep track of our agency’s happenings throughout the month by visiting our News page and following DEW’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube pages.