Greenwood, South Carolina, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The SC Works Virtual Engagement Center has been launched in South Carolina’s Upper Savannah region, providing online employment services. This platform connects job seekers with staff members via chat or video for personalized assistance, addressing challenges such as lack of transportation. The center is staffed on Mondays and Wednesdays and features services like résumé help and job fair information. This initiative aims to support residents in rural counties and strengthen the local workforce.
Greenwood, South Carolina – Job seekers in South Carolina’s Upper Savannah region can now access employment services online with the launch of the SC Works Virtual Engagement Center. This new free online platform connects users with a live SC Works staff member through chat or video, making it easier to obtain job assistance without needing to travel to a physical office.
The Virtual Engagement Center, which launched on September 1, 2025, is staffed on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It allows users to interact directly with a real person rather than an automated system, providing personalized assistance. Available services include résumé help, training options, and information about upcoming job fairs, addressing barriers such as lack of transportation or childcare for many residents in rural counties.
Amber Bearden, a communications and performance analyst for Upper Savannah, has emphasized the center’s role in delivering information and documents online before users physically visit a workforce center. This service is part of the broader mission of the Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board, focused on strengthening the workforce in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda counties.
Partnerships with the private industry guide the identification of in-demand skills and the development of relevant training programs. Monthly job fairs hosted by SC Works in each county are a significant part of the employment support strategy, with a recent event in Greenwood attracting 64 employers and nearly 200 job seekers.
In addition to job fairs, rapid-response teams are in place to assist workers facing layoffs, helping them secure new job opportunities promptly. The Virtual Engagement Center aims to raise awareness and engage more users in the coming weeks as early usage has been modest thus far. Access links and QR codes for the center are available on the SC Works Upper Savannah Facebook page and at UpperSCWorks.com.
For inquiries, residents can contact Renee Ortiz at 864-943-5643.
The growth of job opportunities in South Carolina is notable. The Rock Hill region, for example, is projected to see significant job growth of 21,012 jobs by 2032, contributing to it being one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce anticipates a 13.3% increase in jobs over the next decade for York, Lancaster, and Chester counties.
This job growth aligns with the increasing population in the region, including York County, which recently surpassed 300,000 residents, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Specific industries, such as warehousing and storage, are expected to grow by 70%, while financial services could see an increase of nearly 53%. Occupations projected for the largest increases include interpreters or translators at 71% and nurses at 65%.
The region is also experiencing investment and economic development initiatives, with at least five projects under discussion for potential tax incentives, marking a positive trajectory for the local economy.
FAQ
What is the SC Works Virtual Engagement Center?
The SC Works Virtual Engagement Center is a free online platform that connects job seekers in the Upper Savannah region with a live SC Works staff member via chat or video for personalized employment assistance.
What services are offered at the Virtual Engagement Center?
The center provides services such as résumé help, training options, and information about job fairs, all aiming to assist job seekers without the need for travel to a physical office.
When is the Virtual Engagement Center open?
The center is staffed on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Who can benefit from the Virtual Engagement Center?
The service specifically aims to help residents in rural counties who may face challenges like lack of transportation or childcare.
How do I access the Virtual Engagement Center?
The center can be accessed from both computers and smartphones. Links and QR codes are available on the SC Works Upper Savannah Facebook page and at UpperSCWorks.com.
Who can I contact for more information?
Residents can reach out to Renee Ortiz at 864-943-5643 for any inquiries.
Key Features of the SC Works Virtual Engagement Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Online Platform | Connects job seekers with live staff through chat or video. |
| Services Offered | Includes résumé help, training options, and job fair information. |
| Availability | Open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Target Audience | Aims to assist residents in rural counties facing challenges. |
| Access | Available on both computers and smartphones. |
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Upper Savannah Debuts Virtual Center
- Herald Online: Business News
- Index Journal: Greenwood Job Fair
- Wikipedia: Job accessibility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Employment
Author: HERE Greenwood
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