In The News

July 15, 2022

‘Earn more than $80K dollars’: SC sees first ever apprenticeship job fair

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) – Employers and recruitment agencies are fighting back against what many say is the great resignation seen during the pandemic with the first-ever apprenticeship job fair in South Carolina Thursday.

“I’m always looking for a different type of career than what I’m in right now. And I saw this ad yesterday and thought it’s worth a shot coming down here,” said Ethan Hunter, a prospective job candidate.

Hunter was one of many here switching gears, in hopes of securing steady employment.

“I’m 18 and I just earned my GED,” said Nick Baskin, another apprenticeship job seeker. “I’m always open to learn new things.”

Hosted by Apprenticeship Carolina, the event provides prospective candidates with opportunities for paid training, mentorship, and stable jobs in industries like construction, healthcare, and the public sector.

“Anyone 16 and up can be here and look for an apprenticeship and start their lives over and be debt-free,” said Amy Firestone, who serves as the VP of Apprenticeship Carolina.

More than two dozen employers were represented at the apprenticeship fair. The goal is to pay and train as many applicants as possible to bridge the unemployment gap, and the need to fill hundreds of vacancies for qualified workers in the region.

“I’ll tell you that many apprentices — they end up earning more than $80,000 in their lifetime going through this program, coming in with no experience,” Firestone also said.

[read more | source: WACH Fox57]