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The MiddleMidlands Job Market Finds Sweet Spot in Tech, Health

By Kristine Hartvigsen

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist with a payload of higher degrees to find a well-paying job in the Midlands. Perhaps surprisingly, the real

jackpot of opportunity rests squarely in the middle. Strategic partnerships between local institutions of higher learning and key industries are working to fill workforce gaps and balance the spectrum of intellectual supply and demand.

“The general picture has changed, both in the United States and in South Carolina,” ex-plains Marshall “Sonny” White, president of Midlands Technical College. “In our region, we have a tremendous number of middle-skills jobs.”

Middle-skills jobs require workers who have earned a certification in a specific field, greater than a high school diploma but less than a four-degree bachelor’s degree. Citing S.C. Department of Employment and Work-force statistics, White says that 45 percent of emerging South Carolina jobs — such

as information technology administrators, licensed practical nurses, and electricians — require middle-skill certifications. Yet, only 29 percent of the workforce has the nec-essary qualifications to fill those jobs, which can pay from the mid-30s up to six figures, according to White. And getting from Point A to Point B may be less painful than you’d think. In fact, some area employers are offering some pretty sweet deals to recruit middle-skills workers.

Company-Sponsored TrainingAngela Dabrowski of Lexington will

complete the Electronics Engineering Tech-nology Program at Midlands Tech in August — and Michelin North America is footing the bill. After passing an aptitude test and interviewing with the company, Dabrowski was accepted into the Michelin Scholars Pro-gram and is receiving a specialized education as well as invaluable job experience.

“Michelin is a good company, and I already have my foot in the door with them,” Dabrowski says. “They pay 100 percent of

my tuition and books, and I also get a pretty competitive hourly rate.”

The program requires Dabrowski to work at least 20 hours a week at Michelin. Starting pay for Michelin Scholars is $9 per hour. Dabrowski, 23, thinks of the work as a paid internship, but the company views it clearly as a scholarship and employment program, because no college credits are awarded for hours worked at the plant. Students earn their formal academic credits in the class-room.

A strong incentive for Michelin is inside access to a local pool of trained workers. The company’s Lexington manufacturing facili-

ties are highly automated, and trained people are needed to service, program and maintain the automated systems. Dabrowski is not guaranteed a job at the end of the program, but her experience with the company gives her good odds.

White notes that Michelin is growing by nearly 50 percent in Lexington, and says 80 percent of the estimated 500 jobs the com-pany is creating are middle-skills positions.

Michelin is just one example of the enor-mous growth in advanced manufacturing in the Midlands. Other advanced manufactur-ing companies creating middle-skills jobs

include Nephron Pharmaceuticals, which is building a manufacturing campus near the Amazon distribution facility in Lexington County and is expected to add more than 700 jobs in the next few years. In addition, Pure Power Technologies, which has R&D and manufacturing facilities in Columbia and Blythewood, continues to seek qualified workers for its operation, which produces diesel power systems and advanced emis-sions-control systems for the automotive industry.

“In most cases today, credentials trump degrees. All hiring is competency-based.”

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Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are

in high demand. File photo

Health SciencesTwo of the hottest fields for middle-

skills positions are health care and technol-ogy.

Tina Flint, a health care recruiter at Lexington Medical Center, is constantly on the lookout for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

“We have a hard time filling the LPN positions,” she says.

The LPN certification can be earned in about a year and can lead to a position earning more than $38,000 a year. LPNs support physicians and registered nurses (RNs) in direct, hands-on patient care such as measuring vital signs, applying dressings, administering medications, or assisting with patient hygiene in the hospital, clinic, long-term-care facility or physician’s office setting.

The hospital system also needs certified nurse assistants, Flint says. They also pro-vide patient care but with fewer responsibil-ities and sometimes under the supervision of an LPN or RN.

“We are fortunate that we have a lot of physician practices and lots of specialists,” Flint says. “That is what makes Lexington Medical Center unique.”

Flint emphasizes that it’s not just the hospital where there are opportunities, but throughout the Medical Center’s affiliated practices.

“We have really have expanded services to help people in need,” she says. “I am

proud of that.”Other health care positions requiring

middle-skills certifications include certified medical assistants, medical coding and billing specialists, medical lab technicians, physical therapy technicians, pharmacy technicians, surgical technicians, and emer-gency medical technicians.

“The number of health care technicians is only going to increase between now and 2020,” says White of Midlands Tech. “The problem is getting the message out.”

“Most parents and students still think the old way — a four-year-degree — is the primary path to success,” he continues. “But only 17 percent of jobs in South Carolina re-quire a bachelor’s degree or higher. In most cases today, credentials trump degrees. All hiring is competency-based. Today companies expect that when you arrive at their door that you arrive with a credential” — and are basically ready to work.

Energy and ITEnergy is a growing local economic

cluster, bolstered in part by the ongoing construction of two new nuclear reactors at SCE&G’s V.C. Summer plant in Fairfield County.

“They will be requiring nuclear opera-tors and skilled crafts technicians to build it, as well as workers such as HVAC techni-cians, welders and electricians,” White says.

continued on page 32

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The project will employ as many as 3,500 people over the next eight to nine years. In addition, Westinghouse Electric Company, a global supplier of nuclear plant products and technologies, has opportunities in Columbia and Jenkinsville.

In an increasingly automated and digital world, information technology offers op-portunities in all manner of fields, from health sciences to energy to manufacturing.

Jim Smith teaches IT courses in the continuing education division at Midlands Tech. In his 14 years with the college, he has seen dramatic changes in course design and

curriculum. “To make sure its offerings are relevant,

Midlands Tech has an amazing working re-lationship with business and job sector enti-ties in Columbia,” Smith says. “We sit down with people in these industries and ask them what they are looking for and what they need. Based on that, we try to custom-ize our training to address those needs.”

One of the most recurring requests col-lege officials heard from the business sector was for job candidates with strong people skills to enhance their technical skills.

“We now step out of the traditional com-

puter class and talk about customer service, work ethic and general things like that,” Smith says. “Some of the computer certifica-tions now have even incorporated those ‘soft skills’ into their certification tests.”

Insurance TechnologySmith is especially excited about a new

program funded by a five-year, $5 million federal grant designed to train students for careers in insurance technology.

“Columbia is an insurance town,” he says, citing the presence of companies such as BlueCross BlueShield, Colonial Life and Aflac. In its announcement of the Grow-ing Resources in Information Technology, or GRIT, program, Midlands Tech noted that area companies process up to 2 million claims daily — more than any other region in the country, establishing itself as an in-surance technology hub that is projected to hire 2,200 new and replacement IT workers over the next four years. These jobs include system support technicians, network administrators, coding specialists, systems and applications analysts, and database administrators.

“It’s a living program in that we are ad-justing content on the fly based on feedback from our business partners,” Smith says.

Those partners include Palmetto Health, IT-ology, EngenuitySC, the University of South Carolina’s Insurance and Risk Management Program, Tuomey Healthcare System, the South Carolina National Guard

and regional military bases. As employer partners, they will offer on-the-job training and employment opportunities to students associated with the GRIT program.

This brings us back to Lexington Medi-cal Center, which also anticipates the need for ongoing IT support.

“We are getting ready to go live with our electronic health records system,” Flint says. It’s an enormous investment ultimately designed to streamline processes, improve efficiency and enhance security.

Get Out ThereTraining and education programs to

get you up to speed for middle-skills career opportunities abound in the Columbia area, from Midlands Tech and the University of South Carolina to smaller institutions such as South University, Fortis College, Centura College, Remington College, Strayer Uni-versity, and the University of Phoenix, all of which offer courses in the Midlands region. Many partner with local businesses and can provide information about financial aid, scholarships and other assistance to help you reach your employment goals.

“At our college, we are focusing on where in the region these middle skills jobs are and trying to align the student with the skills and certification to get those jobs,” White says. “That has been a big effort for us over the past 18 months, and it’s not unique to Midlands Tech. We know the jobs are there, and we know they pay well.”

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After-Hours (Higher) EducationEvening College Programs for Working Adults

by Allison Caldwell

Flexible course schedules are available at most higher-education institutions these days, and might include day, evening, weekend or even online classes.

For busy professionals and others whose schedules won’t allow daytime classes, evening course programs can provide a practical solution.

We asked administrators at Midlands Technical College, Columbia College and the University of South Carolina to tell us about their evening offerings.

How extensive are your evening class offerings?

Midlands Technical CollegeMidlandsTech.edu/cceContributed by Amanda Taylor, Public Affairs Coordinator

Midlands Technical College offers a large range of undergraduate academic credit courses in the evening. Sample course

areas include English, math, science, health sciences, nursing, business and more. These evening courses can be used toward associate degree, diploma or certificate programs at the college.

MTC’s Corporate and Continuing Edu-cation Division also offers a wide variety of evening courses. The majority of the college’s QuickJobs programs and certifications are offered in the evening and during the day. A full range of individual business manage-ment, computer, creative career, employee and leadership development, health care, industrial, manufacturing and personal enrichment courses are also offered at night.

Another great option for students need-ing evening classes are the college’s many online courses, offered both in academic

credit and continuing education options. The college has an extensive list of online courses to offer great flexibility to students.

Columbia CollegeColumbiaSC.edu/eveningContributed by Carolyn B. Emeneker, Director of Evening and Graduate Admissions

Columbia College offers undergraduate and graduate programs for nontraditional adult students, male and female. In the evening program, Columbia College offers undergraduate B.A. degrees in behavioral science, business administration, business administration with an accounting concen-tration, computer and information science, early childhood education, elementary education, human services, leadership and professional communication, political sci-ence, psychology, public affairs, and special education. All classes are offered in the evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Also on the undergraduate level, as-sociate’s to bachelor’s degree programs are offered for adults who have already earned an approved AA(S) degree from a regionally accredited two year institution. Students transfer the whole block of courses they earned from their AA(S) degree, up to 72 hours. Following the cohort model, students take three classes each semester for six con-secutive semesters. Program choices include B.A. in health communication, B.A. in com-munity and organizational leadership, B.A. in leadership and professional communica-tion, and B.A. in applied business.

Columbia College also offers three one-year graduate degrees with night or weekend classes each semester: the M.Ed. in divergent learning, the M.Ed. in higher education, and the M.A. in organizational change and leadership.

University of South CarolinaSAEU.sc.edu/extunivContributed by Chris Nesmith, Evening Program Director and Harriet Hurt, Director for Adult Student Services

USC’s Extended University unit focuses on making undergraduate course offer-ings and related services more accessible to students who vary in some way from the tra-ditional profile. Roughly 300 evening courses are offered each semester after 5 p.m.

Older students, either prospective or enrolled, are counseled and advised through Adult Student Services.

The Adult Student Advancement Pro-gram offers a second-chance opportunity to those whose past college experiences have not been successful. Adult Student Services also advises students who are taking USC undergraduate courses but aren’t working on USC degrees. Although not separate degree-granting programs, USC’s Evening and Weekend programs serve students of any age whose schedules require classes outside of typical daytime hours.

The Fort Jackson Program serves mili-tary students as well as civilian students who find its location or schedule convenient.

Back to Carolina is a chance to finish what you started — a manageable degree completion program with online courses and lots of support.

Extended University also manages bacca-laureate degrees for special populations: the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leader-ship for students on regional campuses.

What is the typical profile of your evening program students?

Midlands Tech: In evening courses at MTC, students are diverse. Many are adults who work full or part time and are seeking degrees or certificates, either as a first-time or returning college student. Also, many

Evening courses are a practical solution for working adults File photo

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younger students choose to take evening courses to allow flexibility with work and other obligations.

Columbia College: The average eve-ning student attended college previously, but never successfully completed their bachelor’s degree. They range in age from 22-60, with an average age of 35. The one thing evening students have in common is they realize that earning their degree gives them options, and they are ready to make the commitment to complete their degree in our supportive environment. Most of them work full-time and have families. Many are single parents, some take care of aging parents, many have church or community obligations, but the common denominator is that they are highly motivated to improve their lives by earning a degree.

USC: Evening classes are popular with traditional undergraduate students as well as older adults. Back to Carolina students are typically 25 years or older. Additionally, advisement and student services are offered for those not enrolled in degree programs. Among the non-degree student population are transient students who take summer classes while away from their home schools; candidates for professional examinations such as the CPA, who need preparatory courses; recent graduates who are prepar-ing for graduate school; senior citizens who wish to take courses for personal edification;

and university employees, who may wish to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program.

What’s your average cost per evening credit hour?

Midlands Tech: Tuition is based on the student’s legal place of residence. For stu-dents living in Richland, Lexington or Fair-field counties, tuition is currently $149 per credit hour. There is no difference between per-credit-hour tuition rates for evening or daytime classes.

Continuing education courses are not based on the credit hour system, but are calculated in Continuing Education Units. Prices range based on the complexity and length of the program. Cake Decorating, for example, is an 18-clock-hour certifi-cate program that costs $139, whereas the

full Welding Modular Evening Training Program lasts 14 months and costs $5,391. Financial assistance is available for many of the programs.

Columbia College: 2012-2013 tuition is $374 per semester hour.

USC: Tuition is currently $400 per se-mester hour, and updated in July every year.

What else would you like others to know about your evening programs?

Midlands Tech: Evening courses at MTC are just one of the options the college offers to provide a flexible learning environ-ment for students. There are six campus locations, with online and hybrid courses available (courses with on-campus and

online components). The college works very closely with business and industry through-out the Midlands to ensure our programs are on target with the skill sets employers are looking for. The college has a proven track record with nearly 40 years of experience educating Midlands’ area residents.

Columbia College: Our Evening Program students are inspiring. They leave demanding jobs and come to class two or four nights each week, depending on how quickly they want to graduate. They achieve at high levels because they are serious about the time, energy, and money they are invest-ing in their education. Professors frequently say that these students are a pleasure to teach because they are focused, engaged and work hard to produce their very best work. Our students quickly form their own community of learners; they encourage each other and support each other when life gets hard, but they persevere.

USC: Typically an eight-week “half-semester,” an accelerated format is also avail-able for select programs that allows evening class attendance while maintaining a work or personal schedule during the week. No mat-ter what type of student, our faculty and staff will work closely with you to allay any fears and help you make the best decision for your educational needs.

“Many [evening students] are single parents, some take care of aging parents, many have church or community obligations, but the com-mon denominator is that they are highly motivat-ed to improve their lives by earning a degree.” — Carolyn B. Emeneker, Director of Evening and Graduate Admissions, Columbia College

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