It is no secret that South Carolina is a military-friendly state. Eight bases and almost 300,000 jobs in South Carolina are supported by the armed services, which has a $34 billion economic impact and makes up 11% of our state’s economy. It is also no secret that we are a veteran-friendly state with more than 400,000 veterans proud to call South Carolina home, and almost half of them are employed in civilian occupations.
As the executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and the secretary of the S.
C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we work together to ensure that military families know our state is not only veteran-friendly, but also veteran-affirming, with employers who enthusiastically welcome veterans and endless jobseeker resources and programs for themselves and their spouses. The value of living in South Carolina is high, given its natural beauty, vibrant culture, community activities and exciting events.
As active service nears an end, military personnel see the potential to build fulfilling lives and lifelong careers across the state. Staff at both of our agencies are ready to support any veteran wanting to find education, employment and other services to help them set down roots and prosper. That is why this month, DEW launched its STAYS program, an initiative that encourages veterans and their spouses to “Stay to Apply Your Skills in South Carolina” by offering interview opportunities through the SC Works system.
Veterans, service .
