Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act Making Big Impact in Upper Savannah Region

A total of 2,225 program completers received services from the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program in the Upper Savannah Region in Program Year 2023, according to recently released data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Almost 72 percent of those served in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties received employment, averaging an estimated annual salary of $33,992.

The total estimated annual earnings from all those who were successfully employed in the Region totals $54,114,632.

The 2,225 program completers received more than basic information. They received one-on-one help, including career counseling, job search assistance, resume assistance, or training assistance.

The infographic shown here is based on participants who received staff-assisted services and exited the WIOA program between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

Employment outcomes are reported a year later (through June 30, 2024) to allow enough time for individuals to find jobs and for accurate data collection on their employment status. Employment percentages show the percent of people who were employed by the second quarter after leaving the program.

The Department of Labor data was provided by FutureWorks Business Intelligence.

The great majority of these program completers received services at SC Works Centers in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry or Saluda counties. A few received all their services virtually.

Wagner Peyser (S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce State Staff) and Eckerd WIOA Career Coaches are the primary staff who provide the services.

The Upper Savannah COG Workforce Development Division implements policies set by the Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board, using WIOA funds and other resources to run a regional workforce development system.

“The Upper Savannah region of South Carolina is actively tackling workforce challenges through targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and training,” USCOG Workforce Development Director Kal Kunkel said.

“Programs like the Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence at Piedmont Technical College highlight a commitment to equipping residents with in-demand skills for high-paying careers,” Kunkel continued. “In addition to manufacturing, the region is prioritizing growth in healthcare, transportation, and logistics — sectors vital to sustaining long-term economic strength and opportunity.”

Statewide, 37,628 staff-assisted program completers were served with 73 percent receiving employment with an estimated average salary of $40,340. The total earnings were more than $1.1 billion.

Nationally, 2,261,435 program completers were served with 68.6 percent receiving employment, averaging $42,552, totaling more than $66 billion in earnings.