23-05-2025
SC EOC wants to add a new system to help students be career-ready by graduation
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – This week in Columbia, the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) voted on a major update to South Carolina's education system; it's what they call the 'South Carolina Tiered Credential System.' This new initiative is designed to make students more career-ready by the time they graduate, giving them the skills and required credentials to step straight into 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 be able to really hit the ground running, as we like to say. They'll be ready to go and ready to work in these industries in South Carolina,' said Tenell Felder, who runs Communications 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.
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