Scout Motors Kicks Off Hiring for SC Assembly Line Workforce as New Opportunities Arise

Scout Motors has launched its hiring initiative for the assembly line workforce at its new production facility in South Carolina, set to create thousands of jobs and contribute to the electric vehicle market.

Short Summary:

• Scout Motors plans to hire over 70 maintenance technicians to support its Blythewood production facility.
• The company has received an overwhelming response with hundreds of applications for these positions.
• Starting wages range between $30 to $37.50 per hour, complemented by comprehensive benefits.

The Scout Motors Production Center, a pivotal part of a $2 billion investment, is steadily progressing in Blythewood, South Carolina. This facility will be home to the future production of the next-generation Scout® Traveler™ SUV and Terra™ truck, aimed at revitalizing the brand while fostering local job creation. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate over 4,000 permanent jobs and produce upwards of 200,000 vehicles annually.

“We are excited to usher in a new era for Scout Motors, blending our historical roots with modern technology to create exceptional vehicles,” commented Meredith Manz, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Scout. “In South Carolina, we are not just building cars; we are building careers and engaging with the community deeply.”

Beginning in late July, the company will kick off weekly pre-hire assessment events focused on filling positions for maintenance technicians and senior maintenance technicians. Each event will allow prospective employees to showcase their mechanical troubleshooting skills and demonstrate their hands-on experience with modern automation technologies.

During these assessments, candidates will engage with several stations designed to test their understanding of systems requiring pneumatic and electrical know-how, including environments mimicking actual factory conditions. The aim is to ensure employees are well-equipped to ensure machinery operates smoothly during production.

“We expect to bring on at least 70 skilled maintenance workers by the end of the year to support the manufacturing equipment needed for production,” said Clarice Henderson, Vice President of Human Resources for the Production Center.

The roles not only involve operational duties but also demand skills in repairing and maintaining complex automation systems that will be vital to the facility’s success. The ideal candidates for these positions should boast a minimum of three years in manufacturing or automation maintenance, with an emphasis on precision, team collaboration, and safety.

Scout Motors has already begun preliminary hiring, having onboarded over 300 employees to lay the groundwork for manufacturing processes, with extensive training and career development programs in place. The maintenance technician positions offer starting hourly wages ranging from $30 to $34, while senior technicians can earn between $33.50 and $37.50.

Beyond competitive wages, employees will enjoy comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, and childcare support. Furthermore, employees will benefit from annual performance reviews that can lead to increased earnings based on skill development and experience.

Commitment to Community & Workforce Development

Scout Motors recognizes that investing in local talent is critical for the long-term success of the manufacturing facility. To facilitate workforce development, the company has partnered with ReadySC™, a division of the South Carolina Technical College System, to create specialized training programs tailored for incoming employees.

These training initiatives are designed to prepare the workforce for the fast-evolving electric vehicle market, ensuring local candidates are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed. Kelly Steinhilper, a spokesperson for the technical college system, noted:

“The adaptive training facilities we offer not only teach skills but allow prospective employees to practice in environments that accurately replicate actual job sites.”

These facilities, designed to be versatile and accommodating, will serve various future employers, making the Midlands region attractive for new businesses. Richland County Economic Development Director Jeff Ruble emphasized the importance of such training initiatives in providing exceptional job opportunities for residents.

Engaging Future Generations

As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, Scout Motors is committed to engaging the younger generation and preparing them for careers in manufacturing. The company is collaborating with local schools, including the Richland School District 2, to encourage students to explore manufacturing-related pathways.

“We know that our future Scouts are sitting in kindergarten right now,” said Henderson, reflecting on the long-term vision for workforce engagement. The collaboration aims to develop a co-op program that allows students to gain insights into manufacturing before they graduate, with emphasis placed on programs like the Richland Two Institute Of Innovation (R2i2) that are already offering certifications in areas such as electric vehicle technology.

Through hands-on experiences in clean energy programs, students are being molded to enter the workforce equipped with industry certifications that streamline their entry into manufacturing roles. R2i2’s unique curriculum focuses on real-world applications, enabling students to construct models powered by renewable energy sources and even build electric vehicles.

“What we do here sets our students up favorably for future employment, and we see tremendous potential from partnerships with companies like Scout,” stated Alan Wolf, director of the district’s Student Innovation Center.

Production Timeline and Future Hiring Plans

Scout has set its sights on starting production by the end of 2027. In the lead-up to this pivotal moment, the company anticipates scaling its workforce significantly. After the initial phase of hiring maintenance technicians, the focus will shift towards recruiting assembly line workers.

Future job openings will cater to individuals without extensive prior experience, mainly evaluating candidates based on their aptitude and willingness to learn. Scout hopes to build a strong pipeline of talent that provides job security and growth opportunities for all employees.

As the automotive industry transitions more toward electric vehicles, Scout Motors is poised to play a transformative role while enhancing the local economy. With an ambitious vision for sustainable innovation and strong community involvement, Scout is redefining what it means to be an American car company.

For those interested in joining the Scout team and contributing to the electric vehicle movement, the company invites applications through their careers page where prospective workers can also get details on upcoming hiring events.

Overall, Scout Motors’ commitment to quality, community, and innovation positions it strongly within South Carolina’s manufacturing landscape, fostering an environment ripe for growth and opportunity.

About the Author
Ellen Westbrook is a Stanford University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in human resources and psychology. She’s the owner of a successful HR and payroll outsourcing firm in Colorado and a contributing writer for HR Costs. With 17 years of experience, Ellen helps businesses reduce risk, manage HR more efficiently, and grow with confidence.