SCC and Gestamp Strengthen Union County Workforce Pipeline Through Work-Based Learning

SCC and Gestamp Strengthen Union County Workforce Pipeline Through Work-Based Learning

UNION, SC – Two Union County high school seniors are taking the next step in their career journeys after gaining an early introduction to advanced manufacturing through Spartanburg Community College (SCC).

The students, Anthony Perkins and Aydan Pridemore, recently signed letters of intent to participate in a new Work-Based Learning program with Gestamp, providing them with real-world experience and exposure to careers in advanced manufacturing while completing their senior year of high school.

Their journey began last spring at SCC’s Union County Campus, where both students successfully completed an Introduction to Mechatronics course offered through SCC’s Workforce Development division. The course provided hands-on exposure to the technical skills, equipment, and career pathways associated with modern manufacturing, giving the students an opportunity to explore the field and build a foundation for their next steps.

Now, as high school seniors, the students will build upon that foundation through work-based learning experiences with Gestamp, with the potential to continue their education through SCC academic programs following graduation.

“Workforce development is about creating pathways that connect education, industry, and opportunity,” said Nikki Burgess, Executive Director of Workforce Development at Spartanburg Community College. “These students were introduced to mechatronics through SCC last spring, and now they are taking what they learned into a real-world manufacturing environment with Gestamp. This is exactly what we want to see— students gaining exposure early, discovering career possibilities, and having a clear pathway to continue their education and enter high-demand careers right here in our region.”

The Work-Based Learning program was developed through a partnership between Gestamp, Union County Schools and Spartanburg Community College, bringing education and industry together to give students earlier access to career exploration and hands-on experiences.

"The partnership launches with Gestamp's Work-Based Learning Program, a rotational job-shadowing experience designed to provide high school students with real-world exposure to careers in advanced manufacturing. The program extends learning beyond the classroom by immersing students in multiple areas of the business. Participants will gain firsthand experience across a variety of functions, including Operations, Health & Safety, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, and other critical areas that contribute to advanced manufacturing. Through these experiences, students will develop a broader understanding of the industry while exploring potential career pathways that align with their interests and aspirations. Our goal is to ignite curiosity and help students envision their future. Whether they ultimately choose acareer with Gestamp or pursue opportunities elsewhere, we are committed to providing a meaningful experience that equips them with valuable insights, skills, and confidence as they enter the workforce. The program represents a shared commitment between education and industry to invest in local talent and create pathways to successful careers," said Brooke Southwick, Director of Talent Management at Gestamp North America.

The opportunity also reflects the growing partnership between SCC and Gestamp. Gestamp has established an active Tool & Die Apprenticeship with SCC serving as the training provider, creating an earn-and-learn pathway that combines employment with related technical instruction. SCC and Gestamp are also working toward expanding apprenticeship opportunities into mechatronics.

"Our partnership with the Union County Career & Technology Center and Spartanburg Community College marks an important milestone in Gestamp's ongoing commitment to workforce development and community investment. As the largest employer in Union County, we recognize the importance of creating opportunities that inspire, develop, and prepare the next generation of skilled professionals. We look forward to working together to build a talented workforce while contributing to the long-term success of the Union County community,” said Brooke Southwick, Director of Talent Management at Gestamp North America.

For the Union County Career & Technology Center, the partnership connects classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience and opportunities for continued education.

The “Union County Career & Technology Center is proud to partner with Gestamp and Spartanburg Community College to provide our students with meaningful work-based learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world career opportunities. Gestamp brings valuable industry expertise and hands-on exposure, while Spartanburg Community College provides a strong post-secondary pathway for students to continue their education and technical training. Together, these partnerships are helping our students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to successfully transition from high school into post-secondary education and the workforce,” said Dr. Randy Worthy, Director, Union County Career & Technology Center.

For SCC, the progression of these two students demonstrates how workforce training can serve as an entry point to longer-term educational and career opportunities. From completing an introductory mechatronics course as high school students to gaining experience inside a manufacturing facility and potentially enrolling at SCC after graduation, the pathway provides students with multiple opportunities to build upon their skills.

“Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of bringing education and industry together to create meaningful opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College. “By introducing students to high-demand career fields while they are still in high school, we are helping them discover their potential and build a foundation for future success. Our collaboration with Gestamp and Union County Schools reflects our shared commitment to developing local talent, strengthening our regional workforce and creating pathways that lead from the classroom to rewarding careers.”

Through partnerships with Union County Schools and regional employers such as Gestamp, SCC continues to expand opportunities that connect high school students with education, training, and careers while strengthening the talent pipeline for Upstate South Carolina employers.