Workforce Development Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary 

The Workforce Development Specialist plays a key role in building and sustaining a strong talent pipeline for manufacturing and production roles by leading external workforce partnerships and supporting internal workforce readiness initiatives. This on-site role serves as a primary liaison to the South Carolina Technical College System, K-12 institutions, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), Apprenticeship Carolina, readySC, and other public and private workforce agencies to strengthen talent pipelines aligned to business needs. 

This position combines external relationship management with hands-on program execution to ensure a steady flow of skilled, work-ready talent into the organization.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• External Partnerships & Talent Pipeline Development 
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the South Carolina Technical College System, K-12 school districts, SC Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), Apprenticeship Carolina, readySC, and other workforce development agencies 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external education and workforce partners 
• Collaborate with partners to align curriculum, training programs, and career pathways with manufacturing and production workforce needs 
• Partner with Apprenticeship Carolina to develop, implement, and sustain registered apprenticeship programs 
• Partner with readySC to support workforce recruiting, assessment, and pre-employment training initiatives 
• Partner with SCDEW on labor market insights, candidate pipelines, and hiring support programs 
• Represent the organization at community events, career fairs, advisory boards, and industry forums 
• Support development of early talent pipelines including internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning programs 

Workforce Program Execution 

• Support implementation of workforce development programs designed to meet production staffing needs 
• Coordinate hiring pipeline activities, including onboarding sessions, training cohorts, and readiness initiatives 
• Assist in translating workforce plans into actionable, on-site execution 
• Ensure alignment between external pipeline efforts and internal hiring demands 

Training & Workforce Readiness 

• Partner with operations and L&D to support onboarding and role-based training programs 
• Help ensure new hires from partner programs (e.g., readySC, apprenticeships) are prepared for production roles 
• Track and support time-to-productivity and workforce readiness metrics 
• Assist with reskilling, upskilling, and cross-training initiatives 

Data & Reporting 

• Track key metrics related to talent pipelines, partnerships, hiring outcomes, and workforce readiness 
• Maintain records of partnership activities, including engagement with SCDEW, Apprenticeship Carolina, and readySC 
• Provide insights on pipeline effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement 
• Support reporting for HR and operational leadership 

On-Site & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Work closely with plant leadership, HR, Talent Acquisition, and supervisors to align workforce needs 
• Support on-site hiring events, including those coordinated with readySC, SCDEW, and community partners 
• Support plant tours, student visits, and onboarding activities 
• Communicate workforce programs and career opportunities to internal and external audiences 
• Contribute to engagement and retention initiatives within the frontline workforce 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Blythewood, South Carolina.
• This role requires 5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time. 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You'll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You'll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

Required 

• 4+ years of experience in workforce development, HR, education partnerships, or related field 
• Experience building and maintaining external partnerships with education institutions or workforce agencies 
• Strong communication and relationship management skills 
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing or production environment 
• Strong organizational and coordination skills 

Preferred 

• Experience working with the South Carolina Technical College System, K-12 systems, SCDEW, Apprenticeship Carolina, or readySC 
• Experience supporting registered apprenticeship or workforce training programs 
• Background in manufacturing, production, or skilled trades workforce environments 
• Familiarity with state workforce funding programs or grant opportunities 
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Education, or related field 

Key Competencies 

• Relationship building and external engagement 
• Communication and influence 
• Program coordination and execution 
• Operational awareness 
• Data tracking and insights 
• Community and workforce advocacy 

Success Measures 

• Strength and effectiveness of partnerships with SC Technical College System, K-12, SCDEW, Apprenticeship Carolina, readySC, and other agencies 
• Growth in qualified candidate pipelines for production roles 
• Expansion and success of apprenticeship and work-based learning programs 
• Improved new hire readiness and time-to-productivity 
• Positive impact on hiring, retention, and workforce stability

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting - with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $90,000.00 - $112,500.00

Internal leveling code: IC9