How a state program connects South Carolina veterans with careers

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina leaders are highlighting programs designed to help service members turn their military experience into civilian careers and stay in the state after leaving the military.The state’s STAYS program, which stands for “Stay to Apply Your Skills in South Carolina,” connects veterans and military spouses with employers, job training and up to five job interviews as they transition out of military service.Veterans can also use the SC Works Veterans Portal to search job openings, post resumes and connect with hiring events.For Army veteran Carl Young, the resources helped him find a new career path. Young said the STAYS program connected him with a veteran through the state Department of Workforce, who told him about an upcoming event.“I came here and found a job,” Young said.State leaders said keeping veterans in South Carolina is about more than filling jobs. They said veterans who choose to stay often bring their families with them, helping grow local communit