As the workplace evolves, Greenville Tech responds with new programs to meet needs
The ever-changing landscape of the workplace has prompted Greenville Technical College to develop new programs that address the evolving needs of employers and students.
Greenville Technical College, located in Greenville, South Carolina, has always prioritized providing students with the education and skills they need to succeed in their chosen career paths. With the rapid changes happening in the workplace, the college has remained vigilant in staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that their curriculum reflects the needs of local employers.
As the Chair of the college’s governing board, Ray Lattimore knows firsthand the impact of a Greenville Tech education. Having earned an associate degree in marketing and IT from the college, Lattimore went on to found Marketplace Professional Staffing, a successful staffing agency that has hired over 80,000 people.
Lattimore emphasizes the importance of a well-respected and relevant education, stating that Greenville Tech understands the value of listening to employer needs and adapting their programs accordingly. This approach has resulted in a strong partnership between the college and local businesses, leading to a thriving local economy.
Meeting the Needs of Advanced Manufacturers
When advanced manufacturers in the area expressed a need to fill the skills gap, Greenville Tech responded by creating the Center for Manufacturing Innovation. This state-of-the-art facility offers programs in machine tool technology, CNC machining, CAD design, and mechatronics. The college also responded to the demand for leaders and managers in the industry by offering the state’s only bachelor’s program at the two-year college level – an advanced manufacturing technology degree.
Addressing the Growing Demand in Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Recognizing the need for more entry-level workers in downtown restaurants and hotels, Greenville Tech opened the Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center. This center provides job training and employment opportunities for West Greenville residents while helping to meet the demand for skilled workers in the hospitality industry.
Expanding Allied Health and Nursing Programs
In response to the growing need for allied health and nursing graduates, Greenville Tech will be opening the Prisma Health Center for Health & Life Sciences this fall. This new facility, located at the center of the Barton Campus, will train well-qualified professionals to enter the healthcare field and provide high-quality patient care.
Building a Center for Workforce Development
Greenville Tech recognizes the need to address the welding challenge in workforce development. To tackle this issue, the college is planning to build a Center for Workforce Development that will utilize artificial intelligence and other innovative tools to enhance welding training. The college is currently conducting benchmarking visits to some of the nation’s top welding facilities to create a state-of-the-art center that meets the needs of both employers and students.
Exploring Industrial Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
In addition to the Center for Workforce Development, Greenville Tech is also exploring the possibility of establishing an industrial cybersecurity and artificial intelligence center. Such a center would provide employers with a competitive advantage by protecting their assets from cyber threats and utilizing artificial intelligence to improve productivity in their systems.
Greenville Technical College’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of employers and students has been instrumental in creating a strong workforce and a thriving local economy. Their responsive approach to education ensures that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure high-wage jobs in an ever-changing workplace.
As Lattimore looks out at the graduates during Greenville Tech’s commencement ceremonies, he sees the same sense of relief and joy that he once experienced when receiving his own diploma. These students are not only celebrating their personal accomplishments, but they are also celebrating the value of a Greenville Tech education and the opportunities it has created for their future.