SC Competes Joins Department of Commerce & Build Carolina To Launch ‘Develop Carolina’

SC Competes initiatives SC Tech & CyberSec have joined the SC Department of Commerce and Build Carolina, home of SC Codes, in launching a new program designed to prepare new graduates for software development careers.

Via the SC Department of Commerce press release, Develop Carolina is a six-month program for students who have completed a degree or certificate program in computer science or a software development-related field. Fellows chosen to participate in the program will be paired up with a local technology company three days a week and will continue to learn as a cohort with other fellows the other two days a week.

“Talent acquisition is one of our biggest struggles in technology,” remarked Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “We are excited to be part of Develop Carolina to offer another resource to our tech and cyber firms that are looking for experienced, motivated employees and to inspire computer science and technology students to pursue tech careers in South Carolina.”

According to SC Tech’s 2020 Economic Impact Study, employment in the tech industry in South Carolina has grown to over 180,000 with an $89 billion total economic impact. Since 2000, the state has seen a 245% growth in the number of tech firms, now numbering over 2,000.