The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) and the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) has awarded $600,000 in grants to implement or expand existing public transportation to give people more direct access to work and job training sites.
Reliable transportation is a major barrier to employment and training opportunities for jobseekers and current workers.
The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) and the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) has awarded $600,000 in grants to implement or expand existing public transportation to give people more direct access to work and job training sites. Reliable transportation is a major barrier to employment and training opportunities for jobseekers and current workers.
Six local workforce development areas received $100,000 each to implement new innovative programs and extend or change existing routes.
Among the local areas receiving the grants is Pee Dee Workforce Development Area (Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion and Marlboro counties) – Pee Dee will implement the Workforce Connecter project, a new weekday commuter bus service originating in Marion County and making stops in the town of Latta and in Dillon County. The bus will provide transportation to major employers in Dillon, including Harbor Freight Tools, Wix Filters and Perdue Farms. Additional business partners may be added during the grant period. Pee Dee expects to serve 50 commuters per day over the 18-month grant period.
“We are thrilled to provide these grants, because providing transportation is key to ensuring workers can make it to their jobs, and it helps businesses retain and grow their workforce,” said Cheryl Stanton, DEW’s executive director. “Removing this barrier to employment will ensure those who seek employment and job training can access it.”