take tests, measuring aptitude for mathematics, machining, teamwork and communication skills. at the south carolina plant, rex roth has only a dozen apprentic apprentices. >> you need to have a strong head for math, with the blucht readings and different changes to programming. >> charles wilson is on the u.s. labor secretary's advisory committee for apprentices. he started the apprenticeship program at greenville tech tech after watching the signature industry, textiles, collapse, sending many manufacturing jobs overseas. >> when i saw people who had worked in textiles all their life losing their jobs, i couldn't sleep some nights. i said, what can one person do to help? >> brent says he realizes how lucky he is to have gotten one of coveted apprenticeships, especially considering south carolina's 12% unemployment rate, highest in the country.