September marks Workforce Development Month, a national pause to reflect on the heart work empowering individuals, families, businesses, and our local economy every single day of the year.

At Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC), workforce development is more than a program; it’s a promise.  A promise to meet community members where they are, break down barriers, and reveal pathways to life’s next chapter because everyone deserves the dignity of work. 

There’s no better way to kick off this month-long celebration than to hear from the professionals driving profound change here in the Palmetto State. We sat down with Tiffany Foster, GIUMSC’s Community and Workforce Development Director, to get a glimpse behind the curtain.

The following conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Q: What is workforce development, and why does it matter?

Workforce development is about creating pathways for people to gain the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to build meaningful careers and achieve greater financial stability. For me, it’s bigger than helping someone find a job. It’s helping them get into a position to see bigger, earn more, and build a future they can be proud of. 

Talent exists in every community, but access to opportunity doesn't. Our work is about closing that gap and creating pathways to economic mobility. 

Q: How is Goodwill’s approach to community and workforce development different from other models?

We look at the whole person and the whole workforce ecosystem. We work closely with employers to understand where the jobs are and what skills are needed before building training pathways. A perfect example is our Clean Tech Accelerator, which prepares people for their next opportunity while addressing barriers that stand in the way of their success.

We’re not interested in training for training’s sake; we train to win. When people win, employers win, families become stronger, and our South Carolina communities thrive. 

Q: In what ways does Goodwill support the professional development of its employees?

We believe our mission starts at home. Through ‘Mission Integration’, we connect our employees to resources, training, and career support that help them grow and overcome barriers.

Our ABC philosophy—A Job, Better Job, Career— is about meeting people where they are and helping them take that next step.

We want our employees to have the same opportunities to grow and thrive that we work every day to create in our communities.

Q: How has Goodwill made a difference for people in South Carolina this year?

I’m incredibly proud that our Goodwill was recently recognized as No. 3 in employment placements among more than 150 Goodwills nationwide, but the real story is about the people behind those numbers.

Every placement represents a person who received an opportunity, a paycheck, and greater stability for a family. The numbers matter, but the lives behind those numbers matter even more. 

Q: How can employers and community partners engage with the Goodwill mission?

I always tell employers: bring us your workforce challenges. Tell us where you’re struggling to find talent, what skills you need, and what opportunities are coming next, so we can build solutions together. We need our community partners at the table, connecting people to resources, removing barriers, and helping us reach those who need us most.

Workforce development is a team sport, and when we work together, we create opportunities that change lives, strengthen communities, and build South Carolina’s workforce.

If you’re committed to building a stronger workforce and stronger communities, contact us at letswork@goodwillsc.org.