Work Force Initiative Training

Hardeeville SC- September 26, 2019- The bright glow of a welder's torch may soon be seen in Hardeeville and neighboring areas.

Growth & Expansion

Hardeeville continues to be one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the state. City officials are anticipating many new job opportunities coming to the area with the growth and expansion of various industrial and commercial business opportunities in and around the City; including:

  • The Future Jasper Ocean Terminal
  • Hardeeville Commerce Park
  • North Signal Capital
  • Riverport
  • Waste Management

Skilled Workforce

These opportunities will require a skilled workforce. The city is being proactive in attempting to build a labor force to fill these much-needed jobs. A grant totaling 350-thousand dollars will be used to initiate a certified welding program. 

The funding is provided by EJF Philanthropies. The City will be administering this new initiative and partnering with Southern Carolina Alliance along with Palmetto Training Incorporated. Southern Carolina Alliance will also aid the City in the program's general promotion and marketing.

Instructional Facilities

Instructional facilities will be housed at the City of Hardeeville Public Works Facility located at Plantation Drive. The tuition-free certified welding program is for Hardeeville and Jasper County residents. It is expected to train up to 30-new professionals within the first six months.

"The City is currently experiencing a relatively high growth pattern in both population and the arrival of new industrial/commercial business opportunities. With these new opportunities, comes new jobs and these jobs will require the availability of trained and skilled-workforce professionals. This initiative will help the City and surrounding region be prepared in matching our residents with these jobs", said Michael J. Czymbor, City Manager for the City of Hardeeville.

Grant & New Program

Mayor Harry Williams is also excited about what the grant and new program will bring to the city. "The City of Hardeeville is proud to be the recipient of a $350,000 grant from EJF Philanthropies to fund a welding program that will train Jasper County students in this highly sought out skill. The City Council wishes to thank EJF for their generosity and their commitment to bring good quality jobs to Jasper County. The staff and the entire City welcome EJF as the newest passenger aboard Starship Hardeeville!"

Charitable Contributions

EJF Philanthropies is the charitable giving umbrella for Emanuel J. Friedman and his family. It is managed by Simone Friedman. EJF Philanthropies takes an innovative and nimble approach and has provided thousands of grants to hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the United States. The organization pioneered the opportunity zone "philanthropic wrapper", which provides grants to bolster job training and support social enterprise development in communities that have received opportunity zone-related investments.

City officials hope to have the program up and running by early next year. Keep checking the City's website, for further updates and information regarding this new initiative.