CHARLESTON, S.C. - Do you enjoy working with your hands and take pride in your skills and craftsmanship? The US Department of Labor reports over half of trade workers in America are age 45 or above. Over the next five years, experts predict nearly 2 million jobs will be unfulfilled due to lack of qualified workers. To help mitigate this crisis, Arkansas launched Be Pro Be Proud in 2016.
This fall, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce will launch the Palmetto State’s iteration of Be Pro Be Proud. The program was produced with help from the Associated Industries of South Carolina Foundation, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW), as well as other state education and development agencies. Be Pro Be Proud is a program dedicated to the promotion and exposure of skilled trades. Present-day curriculum has created an environment where some high school students feel pushed to attend a four-year university upon graduating, even though they believe that would not be the best option for them.
The most intriguing part of this project is its unique mobile classroom. This program allows students and job seekers to literally sit in the driver’s seat and investigate an array of career options. A custom-build a 53-foot, double-expandable 18-wheeler truck has been outfitted with multiple virtual and hands-on simulators. The “tricked-out trailer”, as it has been dubbed, will travel around the state to various job fairs, schools, conventions, and career centers for all to explore.
Their website highlights numerous trades, their salaries, educational opportunities and job listings. Stay tuned to Be Pro Be Proud SC’s website for updates on mobile classroom stops in our service areas. Remember, job-seeking tools, resources, and services are always readily available at CCPL.
With a little bit of practice and self-patience, you will be ready to take on the next steps in your future career. If you would like more information about changing careers during difficult circumstances, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat or text. You may also call us at 843-805-6930, leave a voice message, and a library staff member will return your call. Remember, you are not alone.