South Carolina's ReadySC Program

#1 Ranked Training Program in America
Expansion Management, October 2003

A Customized Workforce Training Program
The ReadySC program (formally know as CATT) is South Carolina's unique and outstanding workforce training resource for companies locating or expanding in the state. The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education (TECH) operates the workforce training program and oversees the statewide Technical Education College System. ReadySC recruits, screens, and trains individuals for specific assignments with new businesses and industries as well as expanding businesses. With the exception of very specialized areas, the workforce training is provided at no cost to the company. The program is funded entirely with state money and imposes no target populations.

York Technical College is the Catawba Region's Center for Accelerated Technology Training which emphasizes pre-employment training for new and expanding industry in York County and a comprehensive Continuing Education program where citizens can continually upgrade their skills.

In October, 2004, York Technical College's Institute for Manufacturing Productivity was awarded the Community Economic Development Best Practice Award at the annual Community College Leadership Congress of the Association of Community College Trustees held in New Orleans.

The ReadySC program is one of the oldest start-up workforce training programs in the nation and has been used as a model elsewhere. Since its inception in 1961, the program has trained workers for nearly 2,000 firms. ReadySC’s extensive start-up workforce training expertise developed over the years is unmatched in any other state.

Workforce training is usually short-term and is provided prior to opening day or expansion. This assures a trained workforce ready to go to work when the facility opens. The workforce training programs are usually located near the facility and often conducted at the facility itself, if feasible. Each program is customized to a company’s unique specifications.

Flexibility and Quality
ReadySC is highly regarded by South Carolina employers for the quality of workforce training and the skilled, dependable workers it produces. The success of the program is based squarely on its flexibility. Program administrators pride themselves in their ability to develop customized programs that suit the specific needs of clients. TECH's commitment to quality education has not gone unnoticed; the U.S. Department of Labor recognized TECH as a model for technical education systems in the United States. One reason cited was TECH's involvement and dedication to training prospective employees for every major industry locating in the state.

TECH'S Commitment to Industry
When an employer decides to locate or expand in the state, ReadySC makes certain that the company will have the trained workers needed when the facility starts operation. Some of the major steps involved in the ReadySC process include the following:

• ReadySC staff members meet with the company and analyze the jobs and skill levels needed.
   
• Representatives of ReadySC, in partnership with South Carolina Jobs Service and Employment Security Commission, begin recruiting prospective workers. Advertisements are placed with various area media completely at the expense of the state.
   
• Training materials such as manuals, videotapes, slides, and charts are developed and tailored to the company's processes. ReadySC has a media support center capable of producing these types of instructional materials.
   
• Instructors—either TECH staff or the employers’ staff—are chosen and trained in instructional techniques, if necessary. The instructors are paid by ReadySC.
   
• The training facility is prepared and equipment obtained.
   
• Classes are planned and a lead-time schedule is prepared. The schedule is designed to have workforce training completed approximately two weeks prior to hiring needs.
   
• The workforce training courses are conducted to the standards and requirements of the company. During the workforce training, any trainees who do not meet the required standards are removed from the program. In addition, there is no obligation on the company to hire the trainees or for the workers to accept an offer of employment at the end of workforce training. Please note that trainees are not paid for attending the workforce training.
   
• Counseling and training in good work habits is provided.
   
• If needed, the pre-employment training may be followed by a period of on-the-job training after the trainee has been hired.
   
• When the company is ready to expand or add more employees, ReadySC is available to assist in the training of the new employees. There is no limit to the number of times ReadySC may be used.

  For more information on ReadySC visit their website at www.cattsc.com