Beaufort, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Career training programs in South Carolina are significantly enhancing job prospects for high school students, with over 48,000 students earning recognized credentials in the current school year. This represents a major increase from previous years, highlighting the importance of vocational education. Programs supported by state initiatives are helping students secure immediate employment in various fields, including automotive, culinary, and healthcare. The success stories of recent graduates and proposals for new academic tracks demonstrate the ongoing commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Career training programs in South Carolina have significantly improved job opportunities for high school students, with over 48,000 students earning recognized credentials in the 2023-24 school year alone. This number has more than doubled from just over 19,000 in the 2018-19 school year. Such programs are essential as they prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation and are increasingly becoming prioritized by educational institutions across the state.
Mike Lovecchio, the director of the Academy of Career Excellence for Beaufort and Jasper county schools, recently witnessed a transformative moment when a former student, now a certified EMT, was delivered by ambulance to a neighbor’s house. Just weeks after graduation, the student secured a position with Beaufort County Emergency Services, starting with a salary of $60,000, thanks to the skills acquired during his senior year.
With the support of gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace, proposals have been introduced to create two distinct academic tracks in high schools—one focused on students aiming for college and another dedicated to those seeking vocational certifications. This initiative aligns with the mandates of the Education and Economic Development Act of 2005, which requires public schools to help students identify career interests as early as middle school. By 2007, schools were obligated to offer courses related to at least three different career clusters.
Despite funding cuts during the Great Recession that delayed the hiring of guidance counselors until 2016, the value of career and technical education is increasingly recognized as schools strive to prepare their students effectively for various career pathways after graduation. Many large school districts around Charleston and Myrtle Beach reported over 1,000 certifications completed by their students, while rural districts like Bamberg, Marion, and Fairfield logged fewer than 100 completions. However, vocational programs often allow students to earn multiple certifications, increasing their employability as they exit high school.
The Academy of Career Excellence offers specialized training pathways spanning diverse fields, including cosmetology, welding, and restaurant management. Notably, two seniors in the automotive collision repair program secured job offers from Boeing following their internships. High demand in Beaufort and Jasper counties for culinary workers and cosmetologists also enhances the job prospects for students completing vocational certifications.
Vocational training not only prepares students for immediate employment but also enables them to earn livable wages while avoiding student loan debts. This provides valuable fallback options should college plans change. The automotive sector is particularly popular among students; many are recruited by car dealerships after obtaining their certifications. The South Carolina Auto Dealers Association has further launched the Auto Tech Development Program, which offers paid apprenticeships and tools worth up to $10,000 for aspiring technicians, enhancing job prospects even further.
In addition to the automotive industry, the homebuilding sector prioritizes vocational certifications in trades like plumbing and electrical work, endorsing on-the-job training for graduates. Currently, South Carolina mandates career readiness tests for all high school juniors, which serve as substitutes for the traditional high school exit exam—a recognition of students’ job preparedness. In 2021, approximately 55% of high school seniors graduated with a career readiness credential, demonstrating competency in essential skill areas that employers increasingly consider during their hiring processes.
A recent visit by representatives from Boeing resulted in Michael Atonal, a junior in the automotive collision program at BJACE, being accepted into their Student Development Program. This initiative allows students like Atonal to gain industry experience as they prepare and paint aircraft, benefitting from the training received in their auto collision program.
However, the framework is facing challenges. Deonia Simmons, director of the Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence, resigned amid an investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, which included the seizure of staff computer equipment. Simmons claimed his resignation was related to a new job opportunity.
FAQ
- How many students earned vocational credentials in South Carolina for the 2023-24 school year?
- More than 48,000 students earned a nationally or state-recognized credential by the 2023-24 school year, up from just over 19,000 in the 2018-19 school year.
- What did Mike Lovecchio witness recently?
- Mike Lovecchio witnessed a former student, now a certified EMT, being delivered by ambulance to a neighbor’s house after graduating weeks earlier.
- What are the two proposed academic tracks in South Carolina high schools?
- The two proposed academic tracks are one for students pursuing college and another for those seeking vocational certifications.
- What does the Education and Economic Development Act mandate?
- The Education and Economic Development Act mandates public schools to assist students in identifying career interests starting in middle school.
- What percentage of high school seniors graduated with a career readiness credential in 2021?
- In 2021, 55% of high school seniors graduated with a career readiness credential, showing competency in essential skill areas.
Key Features of Career Training Programs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Growth in Credentials | Over 48,000 students earned recognized vocational credentials in 2023-24. |
| salary of EMTs | The starting salary for EMTs is approximately $60,000. |
| Gubernatorial Candidate Initiative | Proposal for two academic tracks: college prep and vocational. |
| Percentage of Seniors with Credential | 55% of high school seniors graduated with a career readiness credential in 2021. |
| Student Success Stories | Students have secured job offers in various sectors, such as automotive and culinary. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort’s Rising Stars in Weightlifting
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Opens PATH Career Development Center
New Nursing Training Facility Opens at Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Veterans Honored in Beaufort for Their Service
Beaufort County School District Celebrates Educational Leaders
Beaufort Welcomes Four Newborns on Father’s Day
Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette: Getting High Schoolers Ready for a Career
- Bluffton Today: Boeing Selects First BJACE Student
- Island Packet: Local Education News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vocational Education
- WTOC: Beaufort County School District Announces New Principals
- Google Search: Career Training Programs
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
