September is here. Welcome to Workforce Development Month!
What is Workforce Development Month?
In 2022, Governor Henry McMaster declared September as Workforce Development Month in the state. This month-long observance was developed to showcase the talent of South Carolina's workforce, promote more opportunities to connect jobseekers with employers, and celebrate our industries. This month is also a wonderful time to reflect on the collaborative spirit of key players across the state that help recruit, train, and retain our versatile workforce. Employers and workers across all fields - as well as government bodies, educators, nonprofits, and more - work together to create steady careers for our residents. A healthy and thriving workforce is one that helps grow our economy and supports our families.
DEW is proud to be a cog in that wheel of progress. We are committed to championing workforce initiatives and creating opportunities for workers and employers across our great state. Workforce Development Month celebrates those commitments and the individuals who comprise our workforce. From doctors to scientists, teachers to farmers, and every occupation in-between: These individuals are the unsung heroes of our labor force. This month is all about celebrating SC@Work!
Click here to download our Workforce Development Month Digital Branding Toolkit!
The toolkit is universal and any state agency, business, nonprofit, educator, and community provider can utilize it for their own content. It includes Workforce Development Month logos, social media templates, job flyer templates, wallpapers, web and email headers, and infographics for SC Works and DEW.
What will occur during Workforce Development Month?
This year's Workforce Development Month will be filled with job fairs, hiring events, workshops, training, rural outreach, confe
rences, and many other activities. All types of employers have opportunities to work with DEW and SC Works to help hire the right candidates, develop job fairs and hiring events, create individual employment plans, upskill staff, find tax credits and financial incentives, and more. Nonprofits, educators, and community providers can work with our agency to promote education and training programs, grants, and participate in upcoming job fairs and community events. Jobseekers can work with the experts at SC Works Centers across the state to build their resume, conduct skills assessments, find the right training, search for jobs, and even network with employers on their behalf. Not to mention, there will be multiple job fairs and hiring events in your area! Let DEW and SC Works raise you up to your full potential and help you find your next job!
Click on the below map or bullet points to find events happening in your local area!
• Worklink Events • Greenville Events • Upstate Events • Catawba Events • Upper Savannah Events • Midlands Events
• Santee-Lynches Events • Pee Dee Events • Lowcountry Events • Trident Events • Lower Savannah Events • Waccamaw Events
T
he best thing about the above activities? None of them are exclusive to Workforce Development Month. DEW and SC Works offer these services and events year-round, and are always connecting jobseekers with employers.
Are you looking for education, training, or work opportunities? Want professional growth opportunities? Want a career change? Entering the workforce for the first time? Visit an SC Works Center near you or our virtual engagement center to learn how we can help.
Annual Events
Fourth Annual Workforce Champion Award
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
4 PM - 6 PM
By Invitation Only
We will also announce our 2026 Workforce Honorees and winners of the statewide SC@Work: Photo Contest live during the ceremony.
Three-day Workforce Development and Manufacturing Summit
Monday, August 31, 2026 3:00-7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - Wednesday, September 2, 2026 8 AM - 5:15 PM
Columbia Convention Center
1101 Lincoln St.
Columbia, SC 29201
United States
Visit the 2026 SC Workforce and Manufacturing Summit to learn more and register.
Coordinating Council for Workforce Development (CCWD) Meeting
Monday, September 21, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Featured Employer
Mi Tide Boats
Mi Tide Boats is an expanding company in the City of Georgetown. Deeply rooted in the community, the company strives to create jobs for local residents. Mi Tide is a Stay to Apply Your Skills in South Carolina (STAYS) employer committed to helping all jobseekers, including veterans. "Mi Tide’s partnership with SC Works is vital to getting the word out to the community,” said owner, Ms. Tricia Rowland. “We want to grow our business to support opportunity,” she also stated.
Mi Tides Boats
Featured Jobseeker Success Story
SC@Work Rural Connections
After his motorcycle accident in 2016, Erik was ready to work but concerned about finding employment. As a bilateral amputee, he shared that he “did not expect to ever get hired.” Nonetheless, the 25-year Army Veteran knew his accident did not define him, and today Erik serves as the Homeless Outreach Coordinator at In His Name – Colleton in Walterboro, SC. His employment shows his ability to turn an introduction at a Rural Connections hiring event into career success. At the event, he met the South Coast Rural Outreach Coordinator, Stephanie Wright, who introduced him to Michael Haskins, a Veterans Workforce Consultant at the SC Works Center in Beaufort. Together, Michael and Stephanie helped Erik secure this role.
Rural Connections Hiring Events and Jobseeker Workshops
Featured Provider
Florence One School District
Florence One School District provides high-quality public education to students across the Florence area. The district employs educators, administrators, and support staff who work together to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. The district is committed to developing the future workforce by investing in students and creating meaningful career opportunities for educators and support professionals. They are a proud Certified Stay To Apply Your Skills in South Carolina (STAYS) Employer, committed to hiring veterans and military spouses. The district's continued hiring, community partnerships, and commitment to employee development make it an employer worth celebrating during Workforce Development Month.
Career Opportunities at Florence One School District
Workforce Development Month Proclamation
WHEREAS, a vibrant, dynamic economy provides South Carolinians rich opportunities to apply their skills, prosper from their talents, support thriving families, contribute to their communities, and endeavor toward their potential; and
WHEREAS, South Carolina's investment in developing and maintaining its skilled workforce, recognizing potential in South Carolinians of all ages, has been foundational to the state's economic development successes and sustained progress with more South Carolinians employed than ever before; and
WHEREAS, the State Workforce Development Board and the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development continue to lead intensive collaboration and promote innovation among public and private workforce partners across South Carolina; and
WHEREAS, South Carolina's dedication to increased participation in work-based learning, including internships and apprenticeships, and development of in-demand skills among the state's youth ensures a strong workforce today and tomorrow.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Henry Dargan McMaster, Governor of the great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2026, as WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to celebrate the Palmetto State's accomplishments in workforce development and honor the workforce development professionals who continuously strive to develop the workforce of the future.