Workforce development starts with exposure, and the SCAA is helping students discover the opportunities available in the aggregates industry by bringing career exploration directly to the source.

SCAA wrapped up its 2026 Fall Quarry Tour Series with Stops 4 and 5 at Vulcan Materials Company’s Pacolet Quarry, welcoming 250 students over two days. Participants represented Chesnee Middle School, Daniel Morgan Technology Center, Broome High School, Spartanburg High School, and Spartanburg Community College’s welding program.

The tours gave students an opportunity to step inside an active quarry and experience firsthand the people, equipment, technology, and skilled trades that keep South Carolina’s aggregates industry moving.

Bringing Career Opportunities to Life

Throughout the tours, students explored quarry operations, learned about the role aggregates play in everyday life, and got an up-close look at the equipment and skills needed to support the industry.

Blanchard Machinery and Dobbs Equipment, LLC, brought heavy equipment for students to explore, while the Be Pro Be Proud SC mobile workshop provided additional hands-on exposure to skilled trades and technical career pathways.

These experiences help connect classroom learning to real-world applications, giving students a better understanding of how their interests and technical skills can translate into future careers. From welding and equipment operation to maintenance, technology, and environmental work, the aggregates industry offers a range of opportunities for students pursuing different educational and career paths.

One of the most memorable moments of the series came from an unexpected source: a school bus driver who, after 30 years of driving students on field trips, shared that this was the best field trip they had ever been on.

That feedback speaks to the impact of providing meaningful, hands-on experiences. Quarry tours do more than introduce students to potential careers. They create opportunities to change perceptions, build awareness, and demonstrate the importance of an industry that many people may not fully understand.

Connecting Industry, Education, and Community

The Pacolet Quarry tours also welcomed South Carolina State Representative Dennis Moss (District 29), who visited to see SCAA’s workforce development efforts firsthand. Thank you to 1101 Public Affairs LLC for helping coordinate his visit.

Engaging students, educators, public officials, and other community members helps strengthen understanding of the aggregates industry and the important role it plays in South Carolina’s economy and infrastructure.

By opening quarry doors and inviting students to see operations firsthand, SCAA and its members are helping build connections between education and industry while introducing the next generation to careers that support the state’s continued growth.

A Team Effort to Build the Future Workforce

SCAA extends a sincere thank you to Vulcan Materials Company for hosting the final two stops of the Fall Quarry Tour Series. Special appreciation also goes to Blanchard Machinery, Dobbs Equipment, LLC, and Be Pro Be Proud SC for contributing equipment, resources, and expertise to make the experience possible.

Thank you to Jeffrey Crozier, EIT, Justin Good, and Salley Lewis for leading the tours and welcoming students into the quarry. SCAA also recognizes Sara Neil-Spencer with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce for her tireless work coordinating with participating schools and helping make these opportunities possible.

The tours would not have been possible without the volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge, experiences, and passion for the industry:

Ron Hunter, Eric Fatyol, Emily Talbert, Kaylee Barket, Bonnie Spencer, SHRM-CP, Hannah Spell, SHRM-CP, Jeremy McCreary, Jake Smith, Emmalyn Dunn, Sarah Varga, Kim Bos, and Jeffrey Ruddy.

SCAA also thanks Seth Fargher with Construction Video Pros for capturing the moments and experiences that made these tours so memorable.

Investing in the Next Generation

The Fall Quarry Tour Series reflects SCAA’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and helping students understand the many career opportunities available in the aggregates industry. By working alongside schools, industry partners, and workforce development organizations, SCAA is creating opportunities for students to explore skilled trades, discover new interests, and envision their futures in an essential South Carolina industry.

These efforts depend on the generosity and involvement of member companies, educators, volunteers, and community partners who are willing to share their time and expertise.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s quarry tours a success. Together, we are opening doors, building awareness, and investing in the next generation of South Carolina’s workforce.

Because the future of our industry starts with helping students see where they can fit in.

#RocksBuildSC #WorkforceDevelopment #TogetherWeRock #SkilledTrades #BuildingTheFuture