A new program launched in South Carolina is working to address a growing shortage of trade workers across the state.
‘Ride and Decide’ is working to recruit students who want to see if they have an interest in pursuing a career in the HVAC and trade fields. Right now, approximately 22 students are working as interns and apprentices with local businesses and contractors for the summer in Horry County and Georgetown County.
One of those students is Jadon Avant, who decided his future goal of becoming a math teacher wasn’t the right fit for him.
“I have a family history of HVAC, so I decided I might be interested,” he explained.
News13 found Avant working with Carolina Cool this summer, one of about eight local businesses participating in the program on the Grand Strand.
South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Contractors and Carolina Cool President Verlon Wulf helped bring ‘Ride and Decide’ to South Carolina after seeing its success in Tennessee.
“They’re using their hands. Learning what tools are. They’re learning how to put in HVAC systems and maintain them. We’ve got a couple of kids riding with plumbers, too,” Wulf explained.
Wulf says students aren’t being made aware of trade fields when it’s time to begin exploring different careers. Wulf says these trade industries need at least 10,000 new workers a year – in part due to South Carolina’s growth, older workers retiring and turnover. Any further shortage of workers could result in higher prices and service delays for customers.
Program developers hope what interns and apprentices learn during their time with local companies will lead them to full-time work in a trade field, which will help alleviate the growing gap between supply and demand.
“With this, you can immediately start going to work out of high school and start earning a wage,” Wulf said. “At that point, (you can) get enrolled at a technical college. Two years of that doesn’t take long at all. They come out not having any debt whatsoever and they’ve got a great career.”
Avant already has goals in mind to help him move in that direction.
“The more I learn, the better I’ll get. Once I get better, hopefully I’ll become a leader and maybe own my own business with HVAC,” he said.
Eligible students must be at least 16-years-old, have completed their sophomore year in high school and get a recommended by a teacher, school administrator or a heating and air contractor association member. Students must also have at least a C average and excellent school attendance, reliable transportation to and from the work location and obtain parental permission with a release for the SCAHACC and educational institution.
You can find out more about the program and qualifications you can visit their website here.
