SunTrust grant funds workforce training efforts

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The SunTrust Foundation has given $5,000 to the Spartanburg Community College Foundation for its Operation Workforce training program. The grant will be used to train four individuals in the program, which offers participants 65 hours of high-quality industry instruction and materials, and participation in post-training interviews with partner companies who will hire full-time trained employees.

"We're very grateful for the SunTrust Foundation's support," said Melissa Schmitt, Spartanburg Community College business solutions consultant, in a news release. "Grants like these help us fund projects that train people who need a hand up. It lets these folks realize their economic and educational potential."

Piloted in spring 2017, the Operation Workforce program supports the college’s efforts to address regional workforce gaps, the underemployed or unemployed, individuals in need of adult education/GED and training, and high school seniors with no post-graduation plans. The program will train students in high-demand career skills over two years, and at the end of the grant period, participants will be employed full time, or will continue in additional educational opportunities, the release said.

"I am thrilled to present this check on behalf of SunTrust Foundation. Every day I hear from CEO's about the shortage of skilled labor in the Upstate. It is vital for us to come together and work with programs like this to provide quality education and instruction to develop a qualified workforce in our community,” said Kim Jolley, city president of SunTrust Bank in Spartanburg, in the release.