SCC Celebrates Workforce Partnerships at Industry Symposium

September 10, 2026

Press Releases

Spartanburg Community College Celebrates Workforce Partnerships at Industry Impact Symposium

SPARTANBURG, SC — Spartanburg Community College (SCC) hosted its Workforce & Industry Impact Symposium on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the SCC Downtown (Evans) Campus, bringing together business and industry leaders, community partners, and College leadership to celebrate partnerships that are helping strengthen the region’s workforce.

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The symposium highlighted the important role collaboration between education and industry plays in preparing a skilled workforce, responding to employer needs, and creating opportunities for individuals throughout the communities SCC serves.

“Economic prosperity begins with talent,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College. “As a leader in workforce and talent development, Spartanburg Community College plays a critical role in preparing the skilled workforce that employers need to grow, innovate, and compete. Through strategic partnerships with business and industry, we are strengthening the talent pipeline, supporting job creation, attracting investment, and advancing the economic competitiveness of our region. The organizations recognized today exemplify the power of collaboration in building a more prosperous future for the communities we serve.”

During the symposium, SCC recognized organizations for their partnership, leadership, and commitment to advancing workforce development and supporting the College’s efforts to serve regional employers.

2026 Workforce & Industry Impact Award Recipients

Workforce Development Partner of the Year — The Timken Company
Apprenticeship Champion of the Year — Cornerstone Building Brands
Community Impact Partner of the Year (Spartanburg County) — Spartanburg County Public Works
Community Impact Partner of the Year (Cherokee County) — Cherokee County Development Board
Community Impact Partner of the Year (Union County) — County of Union
Emerging Partner of the Year — WebTech Assembly Solutions LLC
Industry Innovator of the Year — Takeuchi US
Career Services Trailblazer of the Year — AFL Global
Community Legacy Award — BMW Manufacturing Company
SCC Foundation Transforming Futures Award — Truist

A group photograph at a Spartanburg Community College event featuring four representatives smiling alongside the

“Our employers are at the heart of everything we do in workforce development, and the Workforce & Industry Impact Symposium is an opportunity for SCC to recognize and thank them for the investment they make in our students, our programs, and our communities. Their willingness to share their time, expertise, resources, and insight helps us understand what our region needs and ensures we are preparing students for the careers that are available today and in the future. We are truly grateful for the employers who choose to partner with SCC and believe in the value of working together to build a stronger workforce. This symposium is about celebrating those partnerships, listening to our industry partners, and continuing to find ways to build the workforce together,” said Nikki Burgess, Executive Director of Workforce Development at Spartanburg Community College.

A group photograph at a Spartanburg Community College celebration featuring staff and leadership standing under a large blue, white, and green balloon arch alongside the

The event also provided an opportunity for business and industry representatives to connect with SCC leadership and other regional partners, discuss workforce needs, and explore opportunities for continued collaboration.

Through customized training, workforce development programs, academic pathways, and strategic partnerships, SCC works alongside employers to prepare individuals for high-demand careers while helping businesses address current and emerging workforce needs.

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The Workforce & Industry Impact Symposium reflects SCC’s continued commitment to serving as a partner in the region’s economic and workforce development efforts and to building connections that benefit students, employers, and the communities the College serves.

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