Haley announces job training initiative

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley is announcing a partnership with a company that does college admission tests to match unemployed workers with the businesses who need them.

Haley told The Associated Press on Thursday that South Carolina is among four states where ACT is launching its Certified Work Ready Communities academy. The Republican governor planned to publicly announce the details at a news conference at Midlands Technical College later Thursday.

The state’s unemployment agency already uses ACT’s work readiness system for tests, training and certification.

Haley says the new effort will integrate South Carolina’s various training programs and create a business plan for workforce training.

South Carolina’s unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in December.