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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – In Columbia this week, the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) cast their votes on a significant overhaul to South Carolina’s educational framework, introducing the ‘South Carolina Tiered Credential System.’
The aim of this initiative is to enhance students’ career preparedness upon graduation, equipping them with the necessary skills and credentials to immediately enter the workforce.
Basically, it’s a free certificate system that is meant to ensure employers that students are prepared and ready for the workforce.
“They’ll truly be able to hit the ground running, as we often say. They’ll be prepared and eager to work in these South Carolina industries,” stated Tenell Felder, the Communications Director for the EOC.
The system is broken down into three tiers:
- Covers basic, industry-specific skills
- Includes credentials that boost employability
- Features credentials required for high-wage and high-demand careers
“It’s just a nice start that gives you a heads up over other people that might be applying for a job…. If you’re needing to work your way through college, it’s great to have this because you’re going to be able to get into a higher wage job and help pay your way through college if that’s what you want to,” said Senator Ross Turner (R – Greenville).
Turner, who is a member of the EOC, and Felder agree that this program would also be great for students who do not know exactly what they want to do yet.
“That might give you the opportunity to explore a little bit, to decide, especially with the tiered system, you know, you’re not going straight into the, the certifications that you need for a specific industry. You can kind of explore a little bit,” Felder added
They say it can also help students learn essential life skills.
“Being explained to you that you got to show up on time, you got to work hard, you’ve got to be participating, and there’s going to be change, and you’ve got to accept change. Those kinds of skills are going to be good. Whatever they end up doing, even if they don’t want to get into something industry specific,” said Turner.
Turner said The State Department of Education, Department of Employment and Workforce, and the Southern Regional Education Board have worked with the Education Oversight Committee to develop this system.
The Committee is expected to meet again in June. If the updated system is officially approved, it will go into effect in August.
