Workforce
Availability of a skilled workforce, a low cost of living and access to utilities make Abbeville County an attractive place to live and work. Abbeville County’s population has steadily increased during the past 40-plus years, a trend that is expected to continue in the future. Between 1970 and 2010, the population grew by more than 4,800 residents, increasing to nearly 26,000 people. By 2030, the population is projected to exceed 29,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Given its close proximity to other metropolitan areas, such as Greenville, Anderson and Greenwood in S.C., Abbeville County is becoming a popular bedroom community for commuters. Nearly half of all workers commute outside of the county for employment, while roughly 29 percent commute from neighboring counties into Abbeville County. Nearly 21 percent live and work in Abbeville County.
Manufacturing is the largest jobs sector, employing more than twice as many workers (1,817) as the next largest segment – educational services (877) – followed by health care and social assistance (701), according to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.
Continuing Education
Abbeville County is fortunate to have an education system that works closely with existing businesses and potential investors to ensure that a ready, trained workforce is available to fill open positions. In addition to the county’s K-12 system, the county boasts Erskine College, a 90-acre liberal arts college founded in 1839 in the town of Due West. Piedmont Technical College’s Abbeville County Campus also trains tomorrow’s workers in a variety of in-demand fields.
More than 33 percent of the population 25 years or older earned a high school diploma, while another 10 percent hold associate’s degrees. Nearly 8 percent hold bachelor’s degrees, while 4.4 percent have graduate degrees.
Learn more about our colleges
Skilled Certification
In Abbeville County, the education and business development communities work closely to ensure that workers learn the skills they need to compete in today’s workforce. As part of that process, state and local leaders work hand-in-hand with companies to align course offerings with the needs of the business community. Two such programs, Apprenticeship Carolina and ReadySC, are helping to bolster the existing workforce while training the next generation.
Under ReadySC, companies creating new jobs in Abbeville County – whether through expansion or new investment – could be eligible for job pairing, recruiting and employment services assistance. Companies meeting certain requirements – such as creating direct employment, full-time, permanent positions – could qualify for the statewide program. Under this arrangement, a state employee becomes the point person for the business, assessing the company’s needs, helping to align job training to the needed skills, and leveraging other available resources, as well as advertising and recruiting for the open positions. During this past fiscal year, ReadySC trained approximately 4,700 individuals for 97 companies statewide. To learn more, click here.
Launched in 2007, Apprenticeship Carolina has seen tremendous growth in training thousands of workers in in-demand fields spanning a broad range of careers – from mechatronics and welding, to tourism, nursing and clerical positions. In 2007, Apprenticeship Carolina trained fewer than 800 workers in 90 federally registered programs. Today, more than 15,500 apprentices have been served in 788 registered programs, and the South Carolina effort is recognized as a national model. To learn more, click here.
Testimonials
“The Abbeville Plant of the Prysmian Group has enjoyed calling Abbeville County home for over 50 years now. As the investments into modern equipment, more diversified product lines and increased output have made this one of Prysmian’s flagship plant’s worldwide, Abbeville County’s supportive environment has been there to nurture this growth. The work ethic and dedication of the workforce is a tremendous asset, but it has also been buttressed by a very pro-business, supportive governmental infrastructure that is keen on helping at every turn – from grants to educational collaborations. Together, the relationship of Prysmian Group with Abbeville County has clearly helped foster a dynamic win-win situation.”
Cecil Talley
Director of Operations at Prysmian
