Work Experience

Through a cooperative effort of Marlboro County School District, local businesses and industries, Northeastern Technical College, Apprenticeship Carolina and Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership guidelines have been put in place to match students with job experience and opportunities.

There are two ways work experience can be obtained through this program. The first way is through an apprenticeship the second is through an internship. The difference between an apprenticeship and an internship is an apprenticeship is governed through Apprenticeship Carolina. What this means is a company has registered through the state of South Carolina’s accredited Apprenticeship Carolina program. It is a paid job that the participant works at while going to school for the corresponding career field. Visit www.apprenticeshipcarolina.com for detailed information on this program. There is not an extra expense to the employer for this program, in fact, there is a $1,000 tax credit that goes to the business for each participant, each year they are in the program.

Apprenticeship Carolina has a representative that will visit the business to set up the company and program details and answer any questions that go along with implementing this program. The program is designed to be advantageous for small and large companies. You can start with just one participant. Teri Luther is our local representative for Apprenticeship Carolina. She can be reached at (803) 896-5206 or luthert@sctechsystem.edu

Apprenticeship Carolina has a great website that thoroughly explains the program. The extensive FAQ section addresses many common questions.

An internship is a job experience program. In most cases it is initially unpaid. It will formally last no longer than three months and not more than 15 hours a week. It is for the person who needs job experience. Ideally it will either lead to a paying job within the company and or a recommendation letter from their direct supervisor.

The criteria for students to participate in this program are as follows:
1. Student must be in good standing with their school
2. Faculty recommendation letter
3. Resume
4. A reliable means of transportation

This program gives young people a place to develop and strengthen their soft skills so they can work successfully in a professional environment. If an applicant comes from this program, you can be assured that they have been vetted and come highly recommended even for simple entry level positions. You can hire with confidence knowing that there is a faculty member and your Economic Development Office standing behind this applicant.

Furthermore, Northeastern Technical College and Marlboro County School District have teamed up to bring to the junior, senior and adult education student body a once a month, on going, soft skills workshop called, Get a Job, Keep a Job. This program covers basic skills like resume writing, interviewing skills, proper dress in the work place, do’s and don’ts in work place behavior and team building, to name a few. This is just another way we are working to improve the over all job attitude and performance among our young people.

If you would like more information or to participate in this program please contact Brandi Ritter at the Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership.