readySC™ Goes the Extra Mile to Secure New Industry

When it comes to work force training, many states cut a check to developing companies, and leave it at that. But thanks to the efforts of readySC(TM), the state's work force training program, expanding and developing businesses have a much bigger incentive for basing operations in South Carolina.

"We are different from other states in that we are 'start-up' experts," said Kelly Steinhilper, director of business development with readySC™. "We don't just write checks, but are heavily involved in nearly 100 start-up projects each year. We understand the tight timeframes, as well as the criticality of the work force."

A division of the SC Technical College System, readySC™ has been recognized as one of the best work force training programs in the nation. The program, formerly known as the Center for Accelerated Technology Training (CATT), has been operating for more than 40 years and has served a number of companies, including Bowater, Kimberly-Clark, EchoStar Dish Network, Walgreens, Bosch, and Verizon.

One of readySC™'s biggest success stories in recent years has been its involvement with Global Aeronautica LLC, the joint venture between Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. and Alenia North America to join and integrate more than 60 percent of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner fuselage at its North Charleston manufacturing facility. The Dreamliner is the first major airliner to use composite materials for most of its construction, meaning readySC™ had to provide training for a project with no precedent.

"readySC™, in cooperation with Trident Technical College, has done what's never been done before, said Dr. Barry Russell, president of the SC Technical College System. "This is the first commercial composite airplane ever built, so by definition, any work force in the world would be inexperienced."

The training process readySC™ implemented for the groundbreaking project shows the lengths it will go to help developing businesses. In February 2005 the readySC™Dreamliner project team went to Dallas to visit the Vought facility and discover the skills, knowledge, abilities, and culture needed to cultivate the right kind of workers. After gathering crucial information from engineers, technicians, and trainers, readySC™ designed training curriculum that met Boeing and Federal Aviation Administration specifications, while creating the team-based culture Vought requested.

readySC™ will install equipment at a temporary training facility to train workers. For Vought recruitment, readySC™ provided 24/7 online training in a monitored computer lab and worked with Trident Technical College to develop a hands-on lab. And, unlike many work force training programs, the training ends when it has provided the requested number of trained employees agreed upon, or for as long as the business is creating new jobs with competitive wages and benefits.

"Our dedicated training team continues to respond to the growing needs of the project. readySC™ consistently receives feedback from both Vought and Global Aeronautica, as well as Boeing, indicating that we are not only meeting but exceeding all training expectations," said Russ Darnall, executive director of readySC™.

As if the customizable nature of readySC™'s training isn't appealing enough for attracting new development to South Carolina, services are provided through tax dollars, meaning minimal - or no - costs for qualifying companies. In addition, because readySC™ only provides services to businesses that offer competitive wages and benefits, it is keeping employees' best interests in mind.

While readySC™ does not actively advertise to prospects, it is implementing a comprehensive branding and marketing strategy to build an understanding of its services to site selection consultants. According to Steinhilper, readySC™ is working to provide marketing materials, detailed proposals, and case studies to economic development stakeholders, such as local economic developers, regional alliances, and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. The overall goal is to get the word out on the remarkable attention to detail readySC™ will provide for its clients.

"We help organizations find the right people with the right motivation and knowledge, and then our training is specifically designed to provide them with the skills necessary to ensure a successful start-up," said Steinhilper.