Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is a critical challenge facing employers in the Columbia area. In response to this challenge, the Columbia Chamber is facilitating a business- led approach to shrink the skills gap and strengthen our workforce through strategic, data-driven talent recruitment and workforce development initiatives.

Recognizing that work-based learning benefits students, employers, schools, and the community, the Columbia Chamber is partnering with Richland District Two to pilot LaunchCOLA for Summer 2025 employment. LaunchCOLA is the expansion of an initiative from the Greenville Chamber called LaunchGVL. This initiative connects high school students with paid work opportunities with Columbia businesses. Students will launch their careers and enter the workforce and college more equipped to succeed. As participating businesses supplement their workforce with energetic students, they also create a talent pipeline to fill the jobs of the future and close the growing skills gap.