Will Williams Director September 16, 2013

“In the race to future prosperity, nothing will matter more than talent.” World Economic Forum, 2012

Time line September 2011 – Bridgestone Americas announces $1.2 billion, 850 job project in Aiken County, SC October A group of community leaders is convened to talk about workforce opportunities May 2012 – EDP contracts with Thomas P. Miller and Associates March 2013 – Results of study rolled out to manufacturers, school district, and community stakeholders

Key Findings Manufacturing is alive and well in Aiken County Aiken County is experiencing a simmering – and worsening – shortage of skilled manufacturing workers Aiken County is not alone Aiken’s workforce shortage challenge is multi-faceted With no single cause, there is no single answer An existing foundation of programs, initiatives and resources provide a staring point from which to building successful strategies.

Summary of Compounding Factors Negative Perceptions Steady Job Growth Impending Retirements Competition for Workers Poor Credential Recognition

Summary of Assets Talent Pipeline Development and Attraction Development and Training Talent Retention

Summary of Recommendations Organizational – Build a manufacturing talent initiative Outreach and Education – Engage education partners and students Worker Quality and Credentialing – Educate and train workers with industry recognized credentials