Dr. G. Cleve Pilot, Director of Career and Technical Education, Fairfield Career and Technology Center, Winsboro, SC
Addressing the Challenge
In Fairfield County, where manufacturing and transportation once thrived, economic shifts have drastically reduced the local job market. The landscape today is vastly different from what it was for previous generations. Once-prominent employers such as MAC Truck, HON Furniture, Rite-Aid, and the SC&G Nuclear Plant have left the area, leaving behind limited opportunities primarily in Element TV and fast-food industries.
This lack of variety restricts students’ awareness and preparation for careers in emerging sectors like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Without exposure to companies such as Michelin Tire, Nucor Steel, or digital technology and cyber industries, many of our students struggle to envision career paths beyond what they see locally. Unfortunately, this has also led to a loss of local talent, as graduates who earn certifications or licenses often leave the county to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Five Solutions We Implemented
1. Leveraging Discovery Education and Industry Partnerships
To broaden students’ horizons and enhance their understanding of potential career paths, my team and I strategically utilized a variety of educational resources available through Discovery Education. We also formed valuable partnerships with organizations such as MEBA (Midlands Education and Business Alliance), which helped enrich our programs.
These collaborations allowed us to offer both virtual and in-person career exploration opportunities. Through these experiences, students gained exposure to a wide array of professions across multiple industries. Moreover, we highlighted career options available specifically within the Midlands region—connecting students with local employment possibilities and fostering community engagement.
2. Creating Job Shadowing Opportunities
Understanding the importance of real-world experience, we introduced a job shadowing component that allows students to spend time observing professionals in various fields. This initiative helps students gain firsthand insight into the daily responsibilities and workplace environments associated with different careers.
By connecting classroom learning with real-life applications, students are empowered to make more informed and confident decisions about their futures.
3. Partnering with the Economic Development Coalition
We partnered closely with the local economic development coalition to build connections between our schools and regional employers. Through joint events and initiatives, students were able to learn directly about evolving job markets, high-demand skill sets, and pathways to employment right here at home.
4. Aligning Career and Technical Education Classes with Market Needs
We undertook a strategic realignment of the curriculum at the Fairfield Career and Technology Center (FCTC) to match the evolving demands of both local and regional job markets. Today, our programs prepare students for high-demand roles in healthcare, graphic communications, hospitality, and advanced manufacturing.
For example, our students can earn credentials as Certified Patient Care Technicians, Phlebotomists, licensed Barbers and Cosmetologists, graphic communication specialists, and advanced manufacturing technicians. This alignment ensures that students graduate ready to step directly into meaningful and sustainable careers.
5. Expanding Career Awareness Beyond Traditional Sectors
Finally, we made a concerted effort to expand career awareness beyond traditional local industries. We introduced students to emerging fields in healthcare technology, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing—careers that reflect the changing nature of work and the growing importance of specialized skills.
By broadening their perspectives and introducing them to high-growth sectors, we help students envision futures that may once have seemed out of reach.
A New Vision for Rural Career Success
Through these initiatives, I have sought to transform how students in Fairfield County view career and technical education. My vision is for the Fairfield Career and Technology Center to be seen not merely as a vocational school, but as a specialized training facility that prepares students for success in dynamic, in-demand career fields.
More importantly, this work is about strengthening our community—creating a pipeline of qualified, motivated young professionals who can contribute to the local economy and build meaningful lives right here at home.
By combining innovative partnerships, aligned curriculum, and authentic experiences, we are helping rural students see the world of possibilities available to them—and giving them the tools to achieve lasting career success.
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About Dr. G. Cleve Pilot
As a seasoned educational leader with over 27 years of experience, I currently serve as the Director of Career and Technical Education for the Fairfield County School District. Over the course of my career—as a principal, assistant principal, school counselor, and mental health professional—I have witnessed firsthand the challenges rural students face in accessing diverse career opportunities beyond the traditional local industries.
My passion for helping students discover and pursue meaningful careers is rooted in both my professional background and my commitment to educational leadership. I hold multiple degrees, including two master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling and School Counseling, as well as a specialist and doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. I also hold Vocational and Superintendent certifications, along with K-12 National Board Certification in school counseling—credentials that reflect my dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
