Build Carolina

Bridging talent, training, and opportunity across the Palmetto State

The team at Build Carolina sees possibilities all around.

They see massive talent and drive across South Carolina—from individuals eager to build new careers in technology to companies working to innovate and grow. They see a future shaped by meaningful, sustainable impact. And they recognize that the power to make a way forward lies in their hands and in the hands of their partners.

Build Carolina serves as the state’s nonprofit hub for tech workforce development. Its vision is clear: a thriving, accessible tech ecosystem for all. The organization is committed to designing and delivering inclusive, responsive pathways into technology careers that meet the needs of South Carolina’s people, employers, and economy.

A mission with long-term impact

Build Carolina’s mission is to connect talent, training, and opportunity in ways that strengthen South Carolina’s tech workforce. The organization collaborates with workforce agencies, rural and urban economic developers, industry partners, and community organizations to ensure its programs are accessible, inclusive, effective, and aligned with the needs of the broader ecosystem.

The results speak for themselves: more than 150 graduates have launched careers in technology, dozens of employers have filled essential roles through apprenticeship, and a growing statewide network of alumni and mentors is contributing to long-term success.

Innovation rooted in responsiveness

As digital skills become increasingly vital across industries in South Carolina—from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and government—the demand for local, skilled tech talent continues to grow.

Build Carolina addresses this challenge by listening closely to the needs of employers, learners, and community partners. The organization aligns its training with current workforce demands, enabling individuals to access new opportunities while helping companies remain competitive in a changing economy.

An agile approach: Academy, Apprenticeship, Advisors

Build Carolina’s model meets learners and companies where they are and equips both with the tools to grow. The organization’s work spans training, hands-on experience, and strategic advisory services. This approach includes three core areas:

• Build Carolina Academy is the foundation for all training efforts, encompassing short workshops to in-depth, credentialed programs for in-demand technical skills. The curriculum is designed for career changers, early professionals, and individuals from all backgrounds, and is built in collaboration with South Carolina employers to ensure relevance and job readiness. This is the home for accessible, high-quality learning opportunities that align with industry demand and open doors to new career pathways.
• Build Carolina Apprenticeship connects trained individuals with paid, on-the-job experience at some of South Carolina’s most innovative companies. As a Registered Apprenticeship program, it provides a proven, structured path into the tech workforce while helping employers build stronger teams.
• Build Carolina Advisors supports founders and entrepreneurs with technical advisory services, helping them plan for growth, meet goals, and successfully launch new products, new ideas, and new companies. Through this program, Build Carolina connects innovators to a broad network of support services, growth-based programs, and helps to open doors to opportunities. Together, these three pillars form a comprehensive framework that prepares individuals for meaningful tech careers and supports companies with a reliable, future-ready talent pipeline.

Join Build Carolina in shaping the future

Innovation happens through collaboration. It takes a statewide network of committed partners across sectors such as employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to build a tech ecosystem that lifts individuals and strengthens South Carolina’s economy.

Build Carolina invites South Carolina’s innovators, educators, workforce leaders, and employers to help shape what’s next. A future where everyone has access to the tools, training, and community needed to thrive in tech isn’t just possible—it’s essential for the state’s continued growth and shared success.

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“We built our programs by listening to employers, learners, and community leaders. We’re making it easier for people to find the right next step and easier for businesses to connect with talent.”
– Lelia King, CEO, Build Carolina –