Varnville, S.C. Apprenticeship Carolina, a division of the South Carolina Technical College System, has announced that Hampton Regional Medical Center in Varnville is sponsoring a federally-recognized apprenticeship program for their Tray Line Staff, becoming the first hospital in South Carolina to establish a federally recognized apprenticeship program. The program will consist of on-the job training, job related education and basic skills enhancement through the WIN for WorkKeys program.

The benefits of this apprenticeship program for Hampton Regional are two-fold. One, we will see improved productivity and enhanced quality, which is good. But, two, we will experience higher morale, pride and motivation among our workforce, which is even better, said Sarah Lyn Tuten, dietary director at Hampton Regional Medical Center. The apprenticeship program will give us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to our staff as well as to our customers continuing our mission of excellence. Every person. Every time.

An apprenticeship is a time-tested method of employee career development that combines supervised on-the-job learning and job-related education. A program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) shows an employers visible commitment to developing a high-quality workforce that meets nationally recognized training standards. Registered apprenticeship programs also enable employees to receive incremental wage increases as they demonstrate new competencies throughout the training program. Hampton Regionals apprenticeship program will train participants on the job as well as in classroom and lab environments. A portion of the curriculum will be delivered by Technical College of the Lowcountry.

The effectiveness of apprenticeship as a career development tool is becoming quite clear in South Carolina as Apprenticeship Carolina continues to average one federally registered program per week, said Ann Marie Stieritz, director of Apprenticeship Carolina. Hampton Medicals registration of their program represents the first hospital in the state to sponsor a federally-recognized apprenticeship. We are very pleased with the diversity of industries we continue to see taking advantage of this opportunity to grow a skilled workforce.

We are extremely proud of Hampton Regional, and consider their presence here to be a huge asset, not just for Hampton County, but for our entire region, said Hampton County Economic Development Commission Chairwoman DeThane Johnson of Furman.Having recently experienced provision of the excellent care at Hampton Regional, I speak directly to the professional services which are, by the way, provided with an overflow of generous, loving care. We are, indeed, fortunate to have their level of services in our rural community which are normally found only in much larger municipalities.

According to Sandy Fowler, Director of the Hampton County Economic Development Commission, Hampton Regional continues to demonstrate excellence in our community through their leadership and innovation. They are a tremendous asset to our community and will serve as a cornerstone for our future growth and development.

We congratulate the staff at Hampton Regional Medical Center, the Apprenticeship Carolina team, and Technical College of the Lowcountry on their leadership and initiative, said SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman John Williamson.Their commitment to excellence not only improves the quality of life for our citizens through their health care services, but also through job creation and professional opportunities for their employees.

Hampton Regional Medical Center is a progressive, friendly community hospital located in rural Varnville, SC. The hospital has provided services to the people of the area for over a half century and has been a constant advocate of technological advancement and the aggressive expansion of medical services. Working under the guiding principle that people in rural areas deserve access to the finest medical care available, Hampton Regional is equipped with world class medical technology, well trained, credentialed and certified clinical staff and a growing medical staff. In 2008, Hampton Regional opened its new 82,000 square foot facility. The spacious new hospital was designed for comfort and confidentiality. Hampton Regional is a not for profit community hospital governed by a local board of directors. The hospital's mission statement reflects its core values: Compassion, Commitment and Excellence. Every Person, Every time.

Apprenticeship Carolina is a new division of the South Carolina Technical College System that works to ensure all employers in South Carolina have access to the information and technical assistance they need to create demand-driven registered apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship consultants are available to guide companies through the registered apprenticeship development process from initial information to full recognition in the National Registered Apprenticeship System. These services are available to South Carolina employers free of charge. Interested employers are encouraged to contact Apprenticeship Carolina at (803) 896-5287 or to visit www.apprenticeshipcarolina.com.