Students from Homeschool Connections, a group based at Harvin Clarendon County Library, got a firsthand look at the world of technology and customer service careers during a recent tour of the Provalus facility in Manning. The visit, coordinated by Children’s Librarian Lakesha Meredith and Provalus Talent Sourcer and Recruiter Gabe Perez, provided an immersive experience that included hands-on activities, team-building exercises, and a glimpse into real-world IT operations.
Provalus, a 100% U.S.-based outsourcing company, focuses on providing technology and customer support jobs to rural communities. Under the leadership of IT Services Delivery Director Joe Kloiber, the Manning location has grown significantly, offering career opportunities to veterans and underemployed individuals seeking to enter the tech industry.
During the tour, Kloiber and his team introduced students to the facility’s operations, explaining the various career pathways available at Provalus. “We provide IT support, cybersecurity, and customer experience services, and we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to grow in this field,” Kloiber said.
Students were divided into teams and rotated through two interactive learning stations—one focused on hardware and the other on software. In the hardware session, they learned how to create an ethernet cable, while the software session provided a crash course in basic website coding. Kloiber and his team also gave students a look inside computer components, fiber optic connections, and network security systems.
“These students are getting an experience that could inspire them to pursue careers in technology,” Perez said. “We don’t require prior IT experience to work at Provalus—just passion and a willingness to learn.”
After the technical demonstrations, the students participated in a team-building exercise, constructing marshmallow-supported structures out of spaghetti noodles and rope. They then enjoyed a pizza lunch while engaging in Q&A sessions with Provalus team leaders.
“We had a great time introducing these students to the world of IT,” Perez said. “Hopefully, we’ll see some of them in the future as tech leaders.”
Provalus continues to expand its presence in Manning, with plans to grow its workforce beyond the current 77 employees. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations like Homeschool Connections, the company remains committed to fostering career opportunities in the community.
