Manufacturing Cluster - Beyond work in a Factory

When you hear the term manufacturing, you often think of working in a factory. There is more to manufacturing than this. In fact, manufacturing careers require highly trained and skilled employees. More than 24.9 billion dollars each year accounts for manufacturing jobs in the U.S. In South Carolina, there is a critical shortage of highly trained individuals seeking work in a manufacturing career. If you are skilled with your hands, can repair broken items, like operating different types of tools and enjoy building things, then this cluster may be for you. Typical jobs in the manufacturing cluster include electrial engineer, chemical engineer, industrial hygienist, metal worker, and welder. The salary for manufacturing careers ranges from $28,000 to $88,000 per year.

Source: Pathways to Success

Engineer's Day at Landrum High School

Each year, the profession of engineering is celebrated through Engineer's Week. Engineer's Week places focus on careers in engineering. To help educate the community about engineering careers, CH2M Hill participates in Engineer's Day at Landrum High School. Engineer's from this Spartanburg firm present information about CH2M Hill, engineering careers, and have students participate in activities that give them a glimpse of what it is like to be an engineer. These activities involve team work and problem solving skills. This week, engineers spoke to Mrs. Givins', Mrs. Johnson's and Mrs. McReynold's science classes. Some of the activities that students worked on included creating a crane and dropping an egg from a high distance without breaking it.

IGP's in progress

Counselors are currently meeting with all current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students to discuss their individual graduation plans (IGP). At this meeting, Guidance Counselors discuss course requirements for graduation and assist students with choosing courses that will help them meet their educational goals - whether it is military, two year technical school, four year college, or the work force. Results from career tests, PLAN, and PSAT are interpreted and discussed, as well. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. All parents and guardians will receive a letter in the mail with the date and time of the meeting. Meeting times and dates can be changed if necessary. Parents need to contact the Guidance Department to choose a more convenient time to meet.

USC Upstate Computer Science

Dr. Sebastian VanDelden of USC Upstate's Computer Science major, spoke to Mrs. Givins' and Mrs. Johnson's 9th grade science classes about careers in computer science. He demonstrated the use of robotics equipment and gave students the opportunity to use the robotics machine. Due to a shortage of students majoring in computer science, there is a high demand for computer science careers in South Carolina. Students with an interest in computer science should take rigorous math courses and computer systems technology courses offered at Swofford Career Center. For more information about this major, click here.

Career Spotlight - Lawyer

Mr. Douglas Brannon, a Spartanburg attorney, spoke to Mr. Brown's Government class about careers in law. To become a lawyer, you need a Juris Doctorate or J.D. and you need to pass the bar exam. A J.D. is equivalent to a Ph.D. or M.D. The starting salary for attorneys is $50,000 to $75,000. Lawyers are responsible for representing clients by filling out the necessary documents and presenting their cases to a judge in a court of law.

Nursing

Cheryl Brock, a registered nurse with Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, presented information about careers in nursing to more than twenty students. To become a registered nurse, you need at least a two year degree in nursing. More and more employers are recommending a four year degree. The average salary for nurses is $64,000. There is a critical shortage for nurses. Because of this, employers are offering signing bonuses. Students who have an interest in nursing should take science courses, health science technology at Swofford, and should volunteer with Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.