scc technical scholars program
TRANSCRIPT
Spartanburg Community CollegeTechnical Scholars Program
Jennifer Little, Director, Career ServicesSpartanburg Community College
What is the Technical Scholars Program? Partnership between Spartanburg Community College and local
employers Students are enrolled in an Associates Degree program full time and
work for the employer part-time Employer provides tuition assistance and an hourly wage for the
student Program began in 1982
Michelin was one of the original companies to hire scholars and now has 7 participating students
BMW started with 6 scholars from SCC four years ago and now has 36 SCC students
CAMIT Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZTF3kisJlI
“Grey Tsunami” = Program Growth
Employers need to transfer knowledge 42% of the current workforce in these counties is
over 50 years old, will retire over the next 10 years.
Over 27% of the tri-county workforce is engaged in manufacturing, plus another 18% in construction. Nearly half (45%) engaged in jobs that require technical, mechanical or industrial skill sets
“Desperate need for technically trained workers in the Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties”
- 2014 Upstate Job Scene Report
Geography Inland port (opened Oct. 2013) 85/26 interchange The BMW effect:
BMW has one of the highest employment multiplier (4.0) effects in SC.
indirect and induced economic impact results in 30,777 jobs
13 suppliers in Spartanburg County
New York Times: Spartanburg County has the “highest per capita international investment in the country” home to over 100 international firms representing 15 countries.
Rapid Growth
Benefits to the Student
Apply real-world skills and experiences to classroom instruction Work part-time and earn wages at one of the area’s leading
companies/healthcare facilities Receive support for educational expenses Considered for full-time employment
“Being a BMW Scholar has helped me gain hands-on experiences in the industry that could take years to grasp.”
- Chee Kue, BMW Scholar
Benefits to the Sponsoring Company Simultaneous on the job training and academic coursework allow
employers to “grow their own” workforce. Cost-effective recruitment and training of potential career
employees Access to motivated students who possess a wide range of skills On-site evaluation of candidates for permanent employment An opportunity to participate in and influence the educational
process
Benefits to the College: Increases community support Keeps education current with employer needs Assists with the placement of graduates Provides insight into the future direction of industry Supports the future demand for highly skilled technicians.
10 Participating Companies
Students and company representatives at 2014 Awards Day Technical Scholars
Reception
Auriga Polymers – 2 students BASF – 1 student BMW – 35 students Michelin – 6 students Erhardt + Leimer – 2 students Schaeffler Group – 1 student SealedAir – 2 students Spinx – currently recruiting Steeger USA – 1 student WSPA – 1 student
Student Requirements
Each company identifies specific qualifications, but general requirements are: High School Diploma or GED At least 18 years old Enrolled full time in an appropriate Associate Degree program Have and maintain a 2.5 GPA (or higher if designated by company)
“In the BMW scholars program I get to take what I learn at SCC and put it to work at the areas top manufacturing company. BMW and SCC have created a great program putting education first and creating endless opportunities for the future. I am very proud to be a part of this program.”
- Dale Phillips BMW Scholar
Hiring Process
Employer announces opportunity SCC Career Services office collects Technical Scholars Applications
and verifies eligibility according to company/program requirements BMW – Students apply to BMW Scholar opportunity through BMW website Michelin – Students take math and mechanical aptitude tests on campus
(SCC coordinates a pre-test math review session) Employer selects students to interview on-campus or on-site Employer hires Technical Scholars Upon graduation, companies often offer a full time position
(BMW 100% of scholars offered FT)
BMW Scholar TimelineFebruary 2016
• Application opensFebruary – May
• Student completes resume and SCC enrollment• Students with 3.0 GPA and SCC Acceptance letter can apply
May 2016 • High School Students receive final transcript, can apply
May – August• Student completes SCC registration• Student obtains printed copies of their resume, unofficial
transcript, and SCC acceptance letter (or Fall 2016 class schedule)
• Student makes an appointment to submit documents and complete online BMW application (in SCC Career Services office, 864-592-4820)
February – August• BMW tests, interviews and processes applicants as
applications are received August – November
• BMW Scholars selected and begin working at BMW
BMW Scholar Application ChecklistQualifications to Apply: SCC Letter of Acceptance/ Enrolled for the Fall 2016
semester full time in an approved program of study 18 years of age or older High School Diploma or GED 2.8+ GPA from most recent education (3.0+ if not yet
graduated)Application Materials (printed): Resume Unofficial Transcript from most recent education SCC Acceptance Letter or Fall 2016 Class Schedule
BMW Scholar Video
https://www.bmwusfactory.com/student-programs/technical-and-community-college-students/scholars-program/
Scholar Success SCC graduated 30 Technical Scholars this May. BMW graduated their largest class of Scholars
thus far this summer. All were offered full time positions
Two new companies started a Technical Scholar program in 2014: SealedAir Auriga Polymers
First non-technical Scholar position hired Erhardt + Leimer Sales Scholar
SCC BMW Scholar Graduates 2012
SCC BMW Scholar Graduates 2015
Lessons learned along the way Constant communication with Industry to:
Review training needs Changes in technology Meet demand for skilled workforce Establish lasting partnerships
Facilitate student, industry and community growth
“Such a wonderful opportunity to help accelerate your career and learning experience! The Technical Scholars program has provided me with a valuable chance to have a successful life. A true "once in a lifetime" window of opportunity!”
- Dustin Reid, BMW Scholar and 2014 SCC Graduate
Technical Scholar Information Sessions
April 26th, 6-7pm, SCC Central Campus June 21st, 6-7pm, SCC Central Campus
Open to students, parents, and the community.
