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SCC Fall Advisory Committee Meeting tackles workforce needs of county
Southeastern Community College, in partnership with Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools, held one of its twice annual Advisory Committee Meetings on Sept. 26. Industry partners and SCC instructors and staff gathered to discuss workforce needs, new methods of addressing those needs in the classroom and trends within the workforce overall.
SCC President Dr. Chris English said the curriculum programming within both of the county’s school systems makes for a seamless transition into SCC’s programming.
“That’s so important to the work that we do,” English said. “Apprenticeship is that next job market driving force. We really need high school students to engage in job shadowing and internships, so that when they come to SCC, they will transition into an apprenticeship.”
Director of Apprenticeship Programs Denise Young urged industry partners to consider pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week in November, Young said this year’s theme of engagement, expansion and innovation will contribute positively to Columbus County.
“So, we need you to make this a success,” Young said. “When I think of that, I think of us engaging together, expansion – we’re going to do something big and innovation is doing something new.”
CCS Superintendent Eddie Beck said that its partnership with SCC played a “vital role” in cultivating Columbus County’s workforce through its apprenticeship program, Career and College Promise program and equipping students with industry-recognized credentials to work after graduation.
“We want to provide the best workforce we can for the citizens of this county,” said Dr. Jonathan Williams, WCS Superintendent. “With us this evening are Katy McLam, Ronna Gore and Susan Watson from our staff, and we’d like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve.”
After a meal together in Nesmith Student Center, industry partners, local business owners and SCC instructors scattered across campus to meet in classrooms designated for each program at SCC. From electrical engineering, agribusiness, college transfer, information technology, broadcasting, HVAC, automotive, cosmetology, construction, nursing and public safety, each group held discussions on specific issues within their industry.
“Thursday night’s meeting was pivotal for our community’s future, particularly for our students,” said Josh Snyder, Electrical Engineering Technology Instructor. “This collaboration lays a strong foundation for SCC’s students and industry partners.”
Snyder explained that every discussion focused on equipping students with the skills needed for the workforce. He said the highlight of the evening was SCC’s industry partners’ commitment to enhancing student education through pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and internships.
“The Agribusiness Technology discussion panel had a productive meeting about showcasing the various pathways and technology being used in the agriculture industry,” said Dawn Hinshaw, Agribusiness Technology Instructor. “We came away with some next steps on recruitment and outreach in the community.”
