Build Carolina: Empowering South Carolina’s Workforce Through Tech Talent Development

The innovation economy continues to grow in South Carolina, and in 2024, the Palmetto State ranked #6 for high-tech job growth according to CompTIA. And projections have South Carolina remaining in the top 10 states for anticipated tech growth in the future. With rankings like these, many business leaders may wonder, “How do we find the technical talent to support these fields?”

South Carolina has a robust workforce development ecosystem, informed by industry partnerships. And when it comes to talent such as software developers, data analysts and cloud engineers, statewide nonprofit Build Carolina is a key player. Build Carolina serves as a tech talent resource that bridges the gap between education, training, and employment. By fostering partnerships with businesses and workforce organizations across the state, Build Carolina is helping to meet South Carolina’s growing demand for skilled workers in the tech talent ecosystem through demand-driven training, connection, and support.

Build Carolina’s “why”

Build Carolina launched in 2017 as a nonprofit focused on talent development. It was created to fill a void. South Carolina had a growing technology sector and a growing need for talent. There were unfilled jobs — specifically in software development — and our state needed an organization whose sole purpose would be to listen to the needs of South Carolina’s employers, founders, and innovators and to respond to those needs quickly and directly. 

“Build Carolina started by building one program to fill a gap. It didn’t take long to realize one program alone wasn’t enough. More was needed to expand the talent pipeline,” said Lelia King, executive director. “So, we took on and created more programs to create clearer and more accessible pathways into technology for people living in South Carolina. We didn’t realize it then, but we were building a foundation, one pillar program at a time. Building these programs helped us realize that we were supporting all parts of an ecosystem — the tech talent ecosystem in South Carolina — in a comprehensive way.”

Build Carolina has trained more than 150 individuals with its credentialed web development course and apprenticeship program. It has exposed thousands more to the tech industry through events, workshops, and an online community.

Addressing Workforce Needs with Practical Solutions

Technology plays an increasingly central role in leading South Carolina industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, finance and logistics. However, businesses may face challenges finding qualified, experienced professionals locally to fill critical roles familiar with these technology needs. Build Carolina addresses these challenges through two flagship programs in addition to custom training solutions for employers and professionals:

• Academy: This program offers hands-on specialized workshops and credentialed training courses designed to equip individuals with the tech skills needed to launch or advance their careers. The Academy focuses on mastery and real-world application of skills, ensuring participants are job-ready upon completion.
• Apprenticeship: Recognized as a Registered Apprenticeship program through Apprenticeship Carolina, the state’s Department of Labor intermediary, this initiative connects early-career tech talent with leading South Carolina companies. Apprentices gain paid, on-the-job experience in roles such as software engineering, data science, and cloud computing while receiving mentorship and ongoing education. This program bridges the gap between learning and working, providing businesses with skilled talent ready to contribute from day one.

A Collaborative Approach to Workforce Development

Build Carolina’s programs align closely with the goals of workforce development initiatives across South Carolina. Build Carolina ensures its efforts are integrated into the broader workforce ecosystem. This collaborative approach enables:

• Employers: Access to a pipeline of trained professionals who meet industry-specific needs.
• Job Seekers: Opportunities to gain in-demand skills and real-world experience.
• Workforce Partners: A resource that complements existing programs for economic growth and job creation.

As longtime apprenticeship partner Charles Rhyne shared about the support his employer, Booz Allen Hamilton, has received from Build Carolina:
“I really enjoyed working with Build Carolina’s sixth cohort of apprentices. They were a fantastic group of software developers and data analysts who jumped in with both feet on day one. Their positive attitudes, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn were crucial to their success. The six-month program is no small commitment, and they gave it their all, right up to the very last day.”

Booz Allen Hamilton’s South Carolina operations are concentrated in Charleston and North Charleston, with over 550 employees contributing to its growing presence in the digital technology sector.

Why Build Carolina Matters for South Carolina’s Workforce

South Carolina’s state agencies and organizations have emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of workers to compete in a global economy. In 2023, the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Workforce Development completed and approved the inaugural Unified State Plan for Education and Workforce Development. “The Unified State Plan provides a systematic approach to streamline the state’s workforce development efforts, identify common goals, and improve efficiencies,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “Through the plan, we will bridge the gaps between education, workforce, and economic development to further prepare and train our people to take on the tens of thousands of new jobs being created statewide.”

Build Carolina directly supports this vision by addressing the tech skills gap and creating pathways for sustainable careers in high-demand fields with its programs. Whether it’s through helping individuals transition into tech roles or enabling businesses to find qualified talent, Build Carolina is driving economic prosperity across the state.

Join Us in Building South Carolina’s Future

Partnering with Build Carolina represents an opportunity to strengthen South Carolina’s talent pipeline. Whether you’re an employer looking to host apprentices or a job seeker eager to break into tech, Build Carolina is here to help. Together, we can ensure South Carolina remains competitive on a regional and global scale by investing in its most valuable resource—its people.

Learn more about how Build Carolina is shaping the future of workforce development at buildcarolina.org.

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Photographs of students in classrooms by Angela Zion. Photograph of graduates holding certificates by Amber Anderson. Provided by Build Carolina.