Employers are always looking for the next generation of capable workers, says William Floyd, executive director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
Many of those future workers are currently students in middle school and high school.
That’s why Floyd was excited to be on hand at Cooper Standard’s Spartanburg manufacturing facility on October 3 – National Manufacturing Day.
High school students from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union County high schools toured the plant, where a team of about 500 employees makes window sealing parts for leading automakers.
“It makes a difference,” Floyd said. “By seeing and experiencing manufacturing settings, young people can understand that there are real opportunities down the street or in the next county over.”
Human Resources Manager Warren Snead and other associates led groups of students on tours of the plant.
“A lot of the jobs in this facility are automated and high-tech,” Snead explained to a group from Boiling Springs High School.
They saw Tyler Honbarger use state-of-the-art equipment to produce a rear window sealing system that is installed in Ford Explorers.
Snead wanted the students to meet Honbarger and employee Zane Blackwell because both are 2024 graduates of Broome High School.
Snead stressed that Cooper Standard and many other manufacturing plants in the Upstate offer good-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. At the same time, he said, the company encourages employees who are interested in higher education and, in some cases, will help them cover the cost of tuition.
Blackwell said he has considered going back to school. But, for now, “the money’s good, and I love what I do.”
He said, “I enjoy doing hands-on work, and I take pride in making good quality parts that go out into the world.”
He hopes to become a team leader at Cooper Standard.
Kris Teal, the Career Development Facilitator at Boiling Spring High School, said it’s essential for her students to get an up-close view of manufacturing sites, such as Cooper Standard.
“A lot of them don’t know this stuff is in Spartanburg,” she said. “There’s so much here.”
Floyd said the Department of Employment and Workforce partners with schools and employers in each county through its SC Works offices.
Other local entities are exploring innovative ways to help young people pursue opportunities while boosting the Upstate’s future workforce.
On October 9, OneSpartanburg will be holding its second “signing day” ceremony – an event where employers announce their commitment to creating internships and other work-based learning avenues for area students.
The Spartanburg Academic Movement, or SAM, recently announced the launch of its “Big Mo” initiative, which provides financial support and other resources for Spartanburg County high school students planning to attend Spartanburg Methodist College, USC Upstate, or Spartanburg Community College.
And on an individual level, it helps to have managers like Snead to take an interest in workforce development, Floyd said.
“Warren is an ambassador for job opportunities,” he said.
In addition to the tour of the plant, Snead talked to the students about generally boosting their chances of landing a good job. “Dress nice when you go for that interview, and make a good first impression,” he said.
“Remember: you’re trying to sell the most important thing – and that is yourself,” he said.