Groundbreaking Ceremonies Mark New Training Facility at Greenville Technical College
SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) joined officials from Greenville Technical College on Monday to kick off construction of a new $22 million facility aimed at enhancing welding education. The 44,000 square-foot ‘Center for Welding and Automation Excellence’ at the Brashier Campus will consolidate the school’s entire welding program under one roof.
The facility will boast modern classrooms, meeting spaces, and cutting-edge welding labs equipped with advanced technology designed for comprehensive training. Areas of focus will include artificial intelligence and robotics welding, nondestructive testing, pipe welding, and laser welding. Notably, the expansion will increase the capacity from 90 to 140 robotic stations, significantly boosting training resources.
Senator Graham, who played a pivotal role in securing $2.98 million in federal funding and $15 million from the South Carolina General Assembly for the project, emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce. “These are high-paying jobs, and having a good workforce is essential to recruit business and keep the businesses you have in your area,” he remarked.
The project is a response to the burgeoning demand for skilled welders, with approximately 400,000 job openings nationwide and a deficit of qualified candidates as one welder enters the workforce for every four that retire. Dr. Keith Miller, President of Greenville Tech, noted that the need for skilled technicians has escalated significantly due to the influx of new technology in the welding profession.
Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2026, setting the stage for enhanced training opportunities and economic growth in the region.
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