Sports Bar in Dorchester, SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Two counties in the Greater Charleston area will see a $9 billion investment from major tech giant Google as it looks to expand its infrastructure and programs.

Google announced the two-year investment Monday, which will span over 2026 and 2027, saying it would help them as the company works to support its Cloud and artificial intelligence growth and its workforce development.

This investment will fund the expansion of Google’s Berkeley County campus as well as further development of campuses that are already under construction in Dorchester County.

“Google’s continued investment in South Carolina strengthens our position as a national leader in technology and innovation,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “Our longstanding partnership with Google has created countless opportunities for our people, and will continue to open new doors for growth and success.”

Google Head of Data Center Public Relations Amber Tillman says the new investment ties into a partnership with the Electrical Training Alliance.

The partnership aids workforce development in the Lowcountry through the company’s AI Opportunity Fund. The fund is a $75-million initiative designed to help Americans develop AI skills nationwide.

“This will support training for electricians across South Carolina, and it will increase the suggested pipeline of new electricians in the state by 150% by 2030,” Tillman says.

Dorchester County officials say this investment will increase tax revenue, allowing community investment and increased funding for its schools.

Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis shared this statement:

Just last year, Google made its historic investment in Dorchester County, bringing valuable economic opportunities to our community. We appreciate the continued partnership with Google and this investment further strengthens our region’s workforce by creating quality jobs and expanding pathways for local talent, while reinforcing the County’s position as a hub for long-term economic growth. In addition to supporting our local economy, this investment provides significant funding towards both school districts in Dorchester County each year and further supports our next generations through education.

Tillman says the company connects organizations, businesses and schools to develop AI skills through programs.

The Greater Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and USC College of Information and Communications are partnering with Google to host a “Make AI Work for You” Workshop to help business grow online.

Click here to register for the workshop.

More than 30 employers and community organizations set up booths at Trident Technical College’s Dorchester Campus Sept. 16, giving job seekers a chance to meet face-to-face with potential employers during a Workforce Career Fair hosted by SC Works and Dorchester County Economic Development (DCED).

“This is in conjunction with a tri-county initiative celebrating September, which is Workforce Development Month,” said DCED Deputy Director Michelle McDonald. “Last night, we actually had the honor of declaring September ‘Worktember’ in honor of Workforce Development Month. The job fair is primarily designed to bring employers together with numerous job seekers, whether you’re looking for new employment or to upskill. There’s a lot of opportunity out there right now.”

Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Support Specialist and Recruiter Greg Graham said he is looking for candidates with high school diplomas who are 18 and older with “clean” backgrounds to fill uncertified detention deputy roles at the Dorchester County Detention Center, and those interested can apply online.

“It really provides us an opportunity to meet individuals at a career fair, to reach out to the community and let them know, to build awareness of what we’re doing at the detention center and hiring new people,” Graham said.

In addition to offering opportunities to connect with employers, the career fair included community resource booths to connect community members with support. Among them was a booth for Dorchester County Adult Education (DCAE), and DCAE Administrator Natasha Prosser said the organization does “a lot” to support workforce development.

“A lot of people don’t know what adult education is, and we want them to know that we are here in the community for those who want to earn their high school diplomas, their GED, if they’re looking for workforce skills, we are here for them,” Prosser said. “We work with the [English as a Second Language] population as well, and we want them to know that it’s not an end-all. Things may not have worked in K-12, but guess what, you have an opportunity to further your skills at this point.”

Job seeker and veteran Peter Hair said he is looking for a job because an injury is preventing him from working indefinitely, and he needs more than disability benefits to support himself. He said his current employer does not want him to return to work until he has made a full recovery, “which could be a year-and-a-half from now,” Hair said. He explained his current role is physical, and he is looking for a role where he can sit down. He said his management experience sets him apart as a candidate.

“I’m hoping to get some calls, some callbacks,” Hair said. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

DCED Existing Industry and Workforce Project Manager Gordon Rooney said the job market in Dorchester County is “robust,” and the career fair was an opportunity for candidates to meet with employers they may not have otherwise considered, as well as stand out by making face-to-face impressions.

“I think everyone is on social media and online so much these days, there is a lot of value in coming to an in-person event like this and getting to meet with all kinds of companies,” Rooney said.

Resources for job seekers are available on the DCED website at dorchesterforbusiness.com.