Opening Doors to Tech Careers in Orangeburg with SCRC
Breaking into tech can be challenging without traditional credentials or connections. That’s where tech apprenticeships come in—offering paid, hands-on experience, mentorship, and a direct path into the industry.
Cara Davis Anderson, our Program Director of Apprenticeships, led an informational session about how the Build Carolina Apprenticeship creates career opportunities for individuals and offers talent solutions for employers. This on-campus information session is part of a partnership between Build Carolina and the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, which is supporting the “Develop Carolina in Orangeburg County” project. The initiative specifically targets students in higher education programs in Orangeburg County, including those at Claflin University.
What is the Build Carolina Apprenticeship?
Our Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with structured learning and mentorship, allowing participants to earn while they learn.
The session covered:
🔹 How apprenticeships work and the skills they develop.
🔹 Grant-funded opportunities that help remove financial barriers.
🔹 Career pathways in software development, data science, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
🔹 The application process and how to get started.
Photo descriptions: (Left) Our Program Director of Apprenticeships, Cara Davis Anderson (on the right), was honored to share the career opportunity with students at her alma mater, Claflin University. Cara is pictured here with the class instructor. (Right) 29 Claflin University students attended the first information session about tech apprenticeships in South Carolina.
“As a Claflin University alum, the “Develop Carolina in Orangeburg County” project is important to me because so much talent is overlooked in that region. By raising awareness of the Build Carolina Apprenticeship, we will increase the tech-talent pipeline in this region, ultimately increasing access to high-wage careers, thus making an economic impact in the county.”
The Employer Advantage
For companies, apprenticeships are a strategic way to build tech talent by:
✅ Training employees in real-world skills tailored to company needs
✅ Expanding hiring pipelines with diverse, motivated candidates
✅ Boosting retention and engagement through structured career growth
✅ Accessing financial incentives to reduce training costs
Employers interested in launching or expanding an apprenticeship program can connect with us to explore available opportunities.
Next Steps
✨ Aspiring apprentices: Apply for our July 2025 Cohort today!
🏆 Employers: Learn how an apprenticeship can strengthen your workforce by booking a discovery meeting with Cara today.
📅 Attend an upcoming virtual info session! Register for an upcoming info session.
Tech apprenticeships are changing the industry—don’t miss your chance to be part of it!
Want to learn more about our project in Orangeburg? Check out this blog.