NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR AT A GLANCE

What years had the highest and lowest unemployment rates on record for South Carolina? Find out on page 28.

There are many things happening at DEW, but one that is worth some attention is the process of updating our Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan, which takes place every four years. This plan governs the allocation of federal funding under WIOA as administered by DEW and other state agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Department, and Commission for the Blind. In the words of the US Department of Labor, “WIOA is designed to help jobseekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.” WIOA directs particular attention paid to special populations such as dislocated workers. These funds flow through the SC Works system to every corner of South Carolina. If you want to learn more, the state’s current four-year plan is available here

In this month’s featured article, Alan Davis gives us a preview of the supply gap analysis that is under development. The new Statewide Education and Workforce Development Act mandates the production of such a report with the intent of informing jobseekers, employers, educators, and policymakers about the labor market. A supply gap analysis, among other things, compares how many workers businesses want to hire and the number of people prepared to fill such a job in a given year. If those two numbers don’t line up, then there is either a surplus or a shortage of incoming employees. This not only helps people and firms in the labor market make decisions but can also redirect education and training programs to ensure they meet the needs of businesses and give people marketable skills that pay a family-sustaining wage.

Please reach out anytime at lmicustomerservice@dew.sc.gov if you have any questions about employment and workforce data.

Bryan P. Grady, Ph.D. Assistant Executive Director for Labor Market Information SC Department of Employment and Workforce