News Summary
On October 3, Cooper Standard opened its manufacturing plant to high school students from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union County for National Manufacturing Day. The event highlighted career opportunities in the industry, showing students advanced technology and automated jobs available in their community. Local educators stress the importance of partnerships between schools and businesses for workforce development. Notably, a ‘signing day’ for creating internships is set for October 9, reinforcing connections between education and local manufacturing growth.
Spartanburg—On October 3, the Cooper Standard manufacturing plant opened its doors to high school students from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union County in celebration of National Manufacturing Day. The event aimed to give students firsthand exposure to the manufacturing industry and showcase the career opportunities available in their local area.
William Floyd, the executive director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, attended the event, emphasizing the critical need for students to familiarize themselves with the manufacturing settings that can lead to viable job prospects in their communities. The Spartanburg facility, which employs approximately 500 workers, specializes in the production of window sealing parts for major automakers.
To illustrate the advanced nature of modern manufacturing, Human Resources Manager Warren Snead led the student tours, explaining that many jobs within the facility are automated and utilize cutting-edge technology. Students were able to observe Tyler Honbarger, a 2024 graduate of Broome High School, in action as he used sophisticated machinery to produce rear window sealing systems specifically designed for Ford Explorers.
Honbarger, along with his classmate Zane Blackwell, represents the potential career paths available to students within their local manufacturing scene. Blackwell expressed his enjoyment of hands-on labor and indicated his interest in aspiring to a leadership role at Cooper Standard. The company not only provides good-paying jobs that do not necessitate a college degree but also offers support to employees pursuing higher education, thereby expanding opportunities for various career advancements.
Kris Teal, a Career Development Facilitator at Boiling Springs High School, affirmed the importance of exposing students to local manufacturing possibilities, highlighting that partnerships between schools and businesses play a crucial role in workforce development. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is dedicated to facilitating these connections through SC Works offices, which collaborate with educational institutions and employers.
A significant initiative announced at the event is a “signing day” organized by OneSpartanburg, scheduled for October 9. This event aims to commit to creating internships and work-based learning experiences for students, further integrating them into the local workforce. In addition, the Spartanburg Academic Movement has introduced the “Big Mo” initiative, which seeks to provide financial support for high school students aspiring to attend local colleges.
As the demand for skilled labor rises due to manufacturing growth in Upstate South Carolina, local educational institutions are adapting their programs accordingly. Approximately 117,277 manufacturing jobs were reported in the region as of 2024, with projections indicating an increase of roughly 7,005 jobs over the next five years. Notably, mechatronics engineers and technicians are highly sought after for essential maintenance and repair tasks.
In response to industry demands, Spartanburg Community College has modernized its mechatronics program to train students on the latest technologies. Meanwhile, the construction of a new Center for Welding and Automation Excellence at Greenville Technical College aims to address the rising need for welding professionals. There is also an increasing demand for computer numerical control (CNC) operators and programmers, with a high employment rate for graduates of these programs.
Furthermore, Isuzu North America Corp. is working with Greenville Technical College to enhance workforce training ahead of its new facility opening in Greenville County, which is expected to create 700 jobs. Spartanburg Community College also facilitates apprenticeship opportunities with major local manufacturers, including BMW and Michelin.
Advisory committees composed of manufacturing industry leaders continue to provide valuable guidance on curriculum and workforce development efforts at local technical colleges, fostering a greater alignment between education and industry needs. As a result, partnerships between educational institutions and manufacturing companies have proven beneficial in the Upstate, promoting growth within the manufacturing sector and paving the way for a skilled workforce.
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Additional Resources
- Go Upstate: Next Generation of Capable Workers
- Upstate Business Journal: Manufacturing Workforce Demands
- Fox Carolina: Gov. McMaster Attends Manufacturing Facility Opening
- Pursuitist: BMW Celebrates Production Milestone
- BMW Blog: Adding Shifts at Spartanburg Plant
- Wikipedia: Manufacturing
- Google Search: Manufacturing Workforce Development
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development in Manufacturing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing
- Google News: Manufacturing Jobs Spartanburg
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
