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Chip Fallaw is the Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE) Grant Administrator. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he received both a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Prior to joining the South Carolina Technical College System, Chip worked with the South Carolina Department of Administration as a Procurement Manager where his responsibilities included the development of complex solicitations, management of purchases for the procurement goods and services; and administration of contracts. He was also responsible for procurement compliance for both his department and other state agencies’ receiving services through the shared services model.
Chip has also worked for the Office of Economic Opportunity as the Economic Advancement Coordinator where his primary responsibilities involved the creation of capacity building projects for local Community Action Agencies centered around South Carolina. In this role, Chip also served as a grant administrator to monitor State and Community Action Agency compliance with federal grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Energy.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate; Adventurous; Flexible
Please tell us about your job.
I serve as the Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE) Grant Administrator. In my role I am as the administrator, manager and fiduciary of the United States Department of Labor’s most recent Apprenticeship grant. The primary purpose of these grant funds is to increase the number of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) statewide and to lead effort to diversify the Apprentice population. Additionally, the funds should be used to help promote the creation and implementation of Youth Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship programs. My job is figuring out how to do all of these in the best way possible!
What is something that you love about your job?
While a portion of my time is dedicated to the day-to-day administration of this grant, the remainder is dedicated to ensuring that the grant’s primarily goals are met. This entails constant interaction with some of South Carolina’s hardest workers, be that at the local Technical College, in the offices of the entities responsible for the States’ economic development, or on the floor of some of the most advanced manufacturing plants in the nation. Getting the opportunity to meet someone new and to hear their story is what keeps a smile on my face every single day.
What drew you to the economic development field?
Eagerness, Passion, Respect and Dedication. These are qualities I have found to be in almost every single individual working in the economic development field. I admire these qualities and hope to develop them within myself. Surrounding myself with people who so passionately pursue every opportunity they’re presented with has taught me to passionately pursue life in the same way.
What are some innovative and impressive workforce development programs currently emerging around the state?
Youth and Pre-Apprenticeship programs have the potential to significantly alter the State’s workforce in a very positive way. As these programs continued to develop and South Carolina continues to receive national recognition for the success of these programs, we become more and more enticing for small, medium and large-scale businesses looking for a new home base.
