2. What is the Technical Scholars Program?
Partnership between Spartanburg Community College and local employers
Students are enrolled in an Associates Degree program full time and work for
the employer part-time
Employer provides tuition assistance and an hourly wage for the student
Program began in 1982
Michelin was one of the original companies to hire scholars and now has 7
participating students
BMW started with 6 scholars from SCC four years ago and now has 36 SCC students
4. “Grey Tsunami” = Program Growth
Employers need to transfer knowledge
42% of the current workforce in these counties is over
50 years old, will retire over the next 10 years.
Over 27% of the tri-county workforce is engaged in
manufacturing, plus another 18% in construction.
Nearly half (45%) engaged in jobs that require
technical, mechanical or industrial skill sets
“Desperate need for technically trained workers in the
Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties”
- 2014 Upstate Job Scene Report
5. Geography
Inland port (opened Oct. 2013)
85/26 interchange
The BMW effect:
BMW has one of the highest
employment multiplier (4.0) effects
in SC.
indirect and induced economic
impact results in 30,777 jobs
13 suppliers in Spartanburg County
New York Times: Spartanburg County
has the “highest per capita
international investment in the
country” home to over 100
international firms representing 15
countries.
7. Benefits to the Student
Apply real-world skills and experiences to classroom instruction
Work part-time and earn wages at one of the area’s leading
companies/healthcare facilities
Receive support for educational expenses
Considered for full-time employment
“Being a BMW Scholar has helped me gain hands-on
experiences in the industry that could take years to grasp.”
- Chee Kue, BMW Scholar
8. Benefits to the Sponsoring Company
Simultaneous on the job training and academic coursework allow
employers to “grow their own” workforce.
Cost-effective recruitment and training of potential career employees
Access to motivated students who possess a wide range of skills
On-site evaluation of candidates for permanent employment
An opportunity to participate in and influence the educational process
9. Benefits to the College:
Increases community support
Keeps education current with employer needs
Assists with the placement of graduates
Provides insight into the future direction of industry
Supports the future demand for highly skilled technicians.
10. 10 Participating Companies
Students and company representatives at
2014 Awards Day Technical Scholars Reception
Auriga Polymers – 2 students
BASF – 1 student
BMW – 35 students
Michelin – 6 students
Erhardt + Leimer – 2 students
Schaeffler Group – 1 student
SealedAir – 2 students
Spinx – currently recruiting
Steeger USA – 1 student
WSPA – 1 student
11. Student Requirements
Each company identifies specific qualifications, but general requirements are:
High School Diploma or GED
At least 18 years old
Enrolled full time in an appropriate Associate Degree program
Have and maintain a 2.5 GPA (or higher if designated by company)
“In the BMW scholars program I get to take what I learn at SCC and put it to work at the areas
top manufacturing company. BMW and SCC have created a great program putting education first
and creating endless opportunities for the future. I am very proud to be a part of this program.”
- Dale Phillips BMW Scholar
12. Hiring Process
Employer announces opportunity
SCC Career Services office collects Technical Scholars Applications and verifies
eligibility according to company/program requirements
BMW – Students apply to BMW Scholar opportunity through BMW website
Michelin – Students take math and mechanical aptitude tests on campus (SCC
coordinates a pre-test math review session)
Employer selects students to interview on-campus or on-site
Employer hires Technical Scholars
Upon graduation, companies often offer a full time position
(BMW 100% of scholars offered FT)
13. BMW Scholar Timeline
February 2016
• Application opens
February – May
• Student completes resume and SCC enrollment
• Students with 3.0 GPA and SCC Acceptance letter can apply
May 2016
• High School Students receive final transcript, can apply
May – August
• Student completes SCC registration
• Student obtains printed copies of their resume, unofficial transcript,
and SCC acceptance letter (or Fall 2016 class schedule)
• Student makes an appointment to submit documents and complete
online BMW application (in SCC Career Services office, 864-592-4820)
February – August
• BMW tests, interviews and processes applicants as applications are
received
August – November
• BMW Scholars selected and begin working at BMW
14. BMW Scholar Application Checklist
Qualifications to Apply:
SCC Letter of Acceptance/ Enrolled for the Fall 2016 semester
full time in an approved program of study
18 years of age or older
High School Diploma or GED
2.8+ GPA from most recent education (3.0+ if not yet graduated)
Application Materials (printed):
Resume
Unofficial Transcript from most recent education
SCC Acceptance Letter or Fall 2016 Class Schedule
16. Scholar Success
SCC graduated 30 Technical Scholars this May.
BMW graduated their largest class of Scholars thus far
this summer.
All were offered full time positions
Two new companies started a Technical Scholar
program in 2014:
SealedAir
Auriga Polymers
First non-technical Scholar position hired
Erhardt + Leimer Sales Scholar
SCC BMW Scholar Graduates 2012
SCC BMW Scholar Graduates 2015
17. Lessons learned along the way
Constant communication with Industry to:
Review training needs
Changes in technology
Meet demand for skilled workforce
Establish lasting partnerships
Facilitate student, industry and community growth
“Such a wonderful opportunity to help accelerate your career and learning
experience! The Technical Scholars program has provided me with a
valuable chance to have a successful life. A true "once in a lifetime"
window of opportunity!”
- Dustin Reid, BMW Scholar and 2014 SCC Graduate
18. Technical Scholar Information Sessions
April 26th, 6-7pm, SCC Central Campus
June 21st, 6-7pm, SCC Central Campus
Open to students, parents, and the community.
