SUMTER, S.C. — A group of Sumter County high school students will graduate with jobs in manufacturing after participating in a new kind of signing day.
Nine students committed to jobs at Continental Tire's Sumter Plant during a career-centered signing celebration held in March.
This comes as part of a partnership between Continental, the Sumter Career and Technology Center, Apprenticeship Carolina, Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter Economic Development, TheLINK and area schools.
The organizations collaborated to establish a youth apprenticeship program. The program includes an introduction to manufacturing course that creates a foundation for students to participate in paid on-the-job training with Continental Tire.
Once students complete the program, they'll receive a nationally-recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor, along with their high school diploma.
"A lot of times you see major colleges, universities that are having signing days for students to go play football... but why not celebrate it for a career opportunity," said Brian Rauschenbach, Economic Development Project Manager for Sumter Economic Development and TheLINK. "I'm just proud."
Students who participated in the program expressed excitement as graduation day approaches.
"It's surreal," said Breanna Bolden-Dyer. "This is my first job and having it when I get out of high school is just great."
"To me, it felt like I achieved one of my goals that I wanted to do from the start of the beginning of the school year," said Russell Scott. "And it's like I made it, I finally got to a good job."
The next signing day is anticipated for August 2019 and is expected to include additional companies.
Recruiting for the youth apprenticeship program for the upcoming school year has closed, but they are still recruiting for the 2020-21 year.
Interested students can contact their local guidance counselor, career specialist, or Central Carolina Technical College for more information.