On The Move
SCC Brings New High-Tech Training and Educational Opportunities to Cherokee County
Jun 15, 2012
GAFFNEY, SC - June 15, 2012 - Spartanburg Community College’s (SCC) Cherokee County Campus (CCC) is preparing students to meet local industry demands for a well-trained, highly skilled, technology-based workforce in Cherokee County. In addition to a new LEGO Robotics program, geared towards fostering young students’ interest of science, technology, engineering and math, the Cherokee County Campus is also expanding its curriculum offerings to include SCC’s popular Mechatronics Technology I Certificate. Both programs ultimately prepare Cherokee County students for well-paying and high-growth careers in the Upstate’s expanding manufacturing industry.
“With large companies like BMW, Timken, Duke Energy and ESAB located in our own backyard, there are excellent job opportunities available to those who are trained for them,” said Daryl Smith, SCC director of CCC. “The Upstate has become and will continue to be a hub for technology and manufacturing-related businesses in the state, yet in many cases these companies are forced to hire employees outside of our region due to a lack of skilled workers locally. We also know that very few of our high school graduates are interested in pursuing careers in these fields, even though the job potential is great.
“Our ultimate goal is to bridge this divide through education and training in advanced manufacturing technology,” Smith explains. “We want our community to reap the benefits from having these businesses located here -- enjoy a higher employment rate and an increased standard of living that comes from a growing economy. We also want to continue to attract businesses to our area and support them by providing access to a skilled industrial and engineering workforce.”
Mechatronics refers to an interdisciplinary field involving control systems, electronic systems, computers and mechanical systems that integrates product design and automated manufacturing processes. Many positions now require mechatronics skills and problem solving abilities for professionals who design, implement, manufacture, service and repair a wide array of equipment, which is why the SCC Cherokee County Campus is offering a Mechatronics Technology 1 Certificate in the fall 2012 semester. The one-year program trains students for positions as maintenance technicians, entry-level mechatronics technicians and manufacturing associates with wages for these jobs starting at $20 an hour. Once completing the certificate program, students can choose to continue their education to earn an associate degree to increase their earnings and job growth potential.
“Great jobs in manufacturing are available in our area but they require skills that many of our unemployed citizens do not have,” said Smith. “With SCC’s mechatronics certificate program, all it takes is one year of training for an individual to go from unemployed, or unhappy with their current job, to having gainful employment with future growth potential.”
For more information on SCC’s Mechatronics program, visit SCC’s website, www.sccsc.edu, or contact Program Director Paul Turner at (864) 592-4738.
Registration for SCC fall semester classes is going on now. Individuals interested in registering for fall semester can apply online at www.sccsc.edu, or contact any of the following SCC locations for assistance:
- Central Campus, Spartanburg - (864) 592-4800 or toll free (866) 591-3700
- Cherokee County Campus, Gaffney - (864) 206-2700 of toll free (800) 922-3679
- Tyger River Campus, Duncan - (864) 592-6200
- Union County Advanced Technology Center, Union - (864) 466-1060
For a complete listing of fall class schedule offerings, visit www.sccsc.edu/academics/search.aspx.
About Spartanburg Community College
Named one of the fastest-growing colleges in the nation according to Community College Week, SCC offers more than 100 academic programs of study including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, plus University Transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities. SCC provides flexible class scheduling including day, evening, weekend classes with multiple start dates and more than 100 online classes through SCCOnline. Offering the lowest tuition in the region, convenient locations, and regional/national accreditations, SCC offers educational opportunities leading to high-growth, high-demand jobs. The SCC Corporate & Community Education Division provides job and career enhancement, workforce development and personal enrichment courses and training programs. For more information, visit www.sccsc.edu.
