SC Works Midlands

10/09/2026

VISION FUTURE SUCCESS (VFS) YOUTH CAREER READINESS WORKSHOP

See It. Plan It. Build It.

SC Works Midlands | West Columbia Office

SC Works Midlands successfully conducted its two-day Vision Future Success (VFS) Youth Career Readiness Workshop at the West Columbia Office, welcoming nine youth participants between the ages of 17 and 24. The interactive workshop was designed to equip young adults with essential career-readiness skills, practical workforce knowledge, and the confidence needed to pursue employment and long-term career success.

Facilitated by Shannata, Career Readiness Coordinator, the two-day experience provided participants with hands-on learning opportunities, career exploration, professional development, and practical activities to help bridge the gap between career aspirations and workplace expectations.

Day 1: Building the Foundation for Career Success

Day 1 focused on developing essential skills that support personal growth, workplace success, and informed career decision-making. Participants actively engaged in instruction, discussions, and interactive activities covering four key areas:

Job Readiness and Professionalism: Understanding workplace expectations, professional conduct, accountability, and the behaviors necessary to succeed in a professional environment.

Leadership Development: Strengthening problem-solving abilities, developing a growth mindset, recognizing personal strengths, and understanding the importance of leadership and responsibility.

Financial Literacy: Exploring income and expenses, developing personal budgets, understanding credit, and recognizing the importance of financial responsibility.

Labor Market Information and Career Exploration: Identifying career interests, exploring employment opportunities, understanding career pathways, and connecting individual strengths to potential occupations.

Business Support Consultants Francis and Janelle assisted with the Career Readiness and Work Experience (WEX) portion of the workshop, providing additional insight into workforce opportunities and the importance of gaining practical work experience.

Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to think critically about their future, identify their strengths, and begin developing actionable steps toward achieving their career goals.

Day 2: Preparing for Employment Opportunities

Day 2 emphasized translating career goals into practical job-search skills through résumé development, interview preparation, and professional presentation.

Participants received individualized assistance with developing, reviewing, and completing their résumés to better communicate their skills, education, experiences, and qualifications to potential employers.

A major highlight of the workshop was the formal mock interview experience. Participants were required to arrive dressed in professional interview attire and participate in structured interviews designed to simulate real-world hiring situations.

Business Support Consultants Francis and Janelle joined Shannata in conducting the mock interviews and evaluating participants on:

Professional appearance and presentation

Verbal communication and interpersonal skills

Confidence and interview preparedness

Quality and relevance of interview responses

Professionalism, attitude, and overall employment readiness

Each participant received constructive feedback and guidance to help identify strengths, improve interview techniques, and build greater confidence when communicating with prospective employers.

Celebrating Achievement and Career Readiness

At the conclusion of Day 2, all nine participants successfully completed the Vision Future Success Youth Career Readiness Workshop and received a Certificate of Completion recognizing their participation, commitment, and successful completion of the two-day program.

The workshop represented more than an opportunity to learn job-search techniques. It provided participants with valuable tools to strengthen their decision-making, develop financial awareness, recognize their career potential, and prepare for the expectations of today's workforce.

The success of this workshop also reflects the importance of collaboration between Career Readiness and Business Services in connecting young adults with meaningful workforce-development opportunities.

Special appreciation is extended to Business Support Consultants Francis Dantzler and Janelle for their support, participation, and contributions to the career-readiness activities, WEX discussion, and mock interview evaluations.

Moving Forward: See It. Plan It. Build It.

The Vision Future Success initiative reinforces the commitment of SC Works Midlands to preparing the next generation of workers by helping young adults discover their potential, develop essential employability skills, and establish a foundation for sustainable career success.

Nine young adults. Two days of intensive career preparation. One shared goal: building a stronger future through career readiness, opportunity, and success.

At SC Works Midlands, we are not just helping young adults prepare for their next job. We are helping them develop the skills, confidence, and vision to build their future.

VISION FUTURE SUCCESS — SEE IT. PLAN IT. BUILD IT.

10/09/2026

Second Chance Conference Highlight Review
Christ Central Ministries of Columbia | Friday, October 2, 2026

Christ Central Ministries of Columbia hosted a powerful Second Chance Conference focused on strengthening reentry pathways and expanding opportunities for justice-involved individuals returning to their communities.

Shannata Ravenell facilitated the Second Chance Employment Panel Session, leading an engaging discussion on the programs, strategies, successes, and challenges of successful reentry and workforce development.

The panel brought together representatives from South Carolina correctional workforce development, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Workforce Development, and Christ Central Ministries Missions of Allendale. Panelists shared firsthand insight into the work taking place both before and after individuals return home from South Carolina correctional facilities.

A major theme of the discussion was the importance of beginning workforce preparation before release. Individuals who are incarcerated have opportunities to develop marketable occupational and trade skills that can create viable employment pathways upon reentry. Panelists highlighted successes in connecting returning citizens with employment and emphasized that many participants are motivated, prepared to work, and determined to establish a different future.

The discussion also reinforced that employment is only one component of successful reentry. A holistic approach is critical. Returning citizens may need coordinated assistance with employment, housing, transportation, identification, education and training, community resources, mentorship, and other supportive services that help create stability and reduce barriers to long-term success.

One of the strongest messages from the panel was that second chances require opportunity. Workforce and reentry programs can prepare individuals for employment, but continued partnerships with employers willing to hire qualified justice-involved candidates are essential.

The conference highlighted the progress already being made while also recognizing the work that remains ahead. Through collaboration among correctional agencies, workforce professionals, community organizations, employers, and reentry partners, individuals returning home can have a stronger opportunity to obtain employment, establish stability, demonstrate their abilities, and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Second chances can become successful new beginnings when preparation, opportunity, employment, and community support come together.

10/09/2026

10/01/2026

Building Confidence. Gaining Experience. Launching a Career.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

— William’s personal motto

During a period of unemployment, William connected with SC Works and took an important step toward a new career. After completing orientation and qualifying for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, he attended a resume-writing workshop to strengthen his resume and better showcase his skills.

Through the Work Experience Program, William gained hands-on professional experience with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Supportive services helped him obtain professional attire so he could enter the workplace feeling prepared and confident.

William’s strong work ethic, commitment, and willingness to learn made a lasting impression. His outstanding performance led to an offer of a permanent position as a Title and Registration Specialist II with SCDMV.

A New Career—and a Bigger Dream

William’s journey doesn’t stop here. His long-term goal is to establish a nonprofit organization and make a positive impact in his community. Guided by his motto, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”, he continues to build his career and work toward that dream.

09/29/2026

Manufacturing Job Fair Success Highlight
The SC Works Midlands Manufacturing Job Fair was a successful opportunity to bring job seekers and local employers together for meaningful career connections. Participants engaged directly with representatives from JTEKT, China Jushi USA, WiJo Pouches, Owen Steel, and Recruiting Solutions, learning about employment opportunities across multiple areas of manufacturing.
Job seekers were able to network with hiring representatives, discuss career pathways, share résumés, learn about job requirements, and explore potential next steps in the hiring process. The event strengthened connections between local talent and employers while highlighting the variety of manufacturing careers available throughout the Midlands.
Connecting job seekers. Supporting employers. Strengthening the Midlands workforce.

09/29/2026

🌟 Building skills and exploring futures!

On Monday, September 28, SC Works Midlands connected with 21 students during a Youth Workshop at Lexington 2 Adult Education!

Students explored WIOA opportunities, completed the RIASEC career interest assessment, and began learning about Labor Market Information. They also discussed time management strategies—including Pomodoro, the Eisenhower Matrix, Getting Things Done, and time blocking—to support success in school and at work.

Students stayed engaged and asked thoughtful questions about WIOA and available opportunities. Thank you, Lexington 2 Adult Education, for welcoming us! 💚💙