Three SC technical colleges unveil mobile advanced manufacturing labs

Leaders of three of the state’s technical colleges took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, February 3 for a trio of mobile advanced manufacturing labs that will bring critical workforce training resources to rural areas across South Carolina.

The event at the William H. "Billy" O'Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence in Greenwood was the result of a unique collaborative initiative between Piedmont Technical College, Aiken Technical College, and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College that was made possible by a U.S. Department of Labor grant.

The new mobile labs unveiled Monday are equipped with simulation software and industry-grade equipment to provide hands-on, real-world advanced manufacturing education and skills development. An integration of online and hybrid formats will offer students greater accessibility.

By focusing on rural areas with high poverty rates and lower educational attainment, the mobile labs will offer programs that lead to life-sustaining wages and benefits for new workforce entrants, underserved and marginalized community residents, dislocated workers, unemployed individuals, and incumbent workers.

“This project demonstrates the power of partnerships across education, industry and community stakeholders to address workforce gaps and uplift our rural communities,” said Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Hope E. Rivers.

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College President Dr. Walt Tobin said the mobile labs will act as a key workforce development tool.

“By bringing advanced training directly to rural areas, we’re breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for students to gain high-demand skills where they live,” Tobin said.

Aiken Technical College President Dr. Forest E. Mahan said the value of the mobile labs goes beyond education.

“It’s about reaching the workforce needs of our region by creating access to life-changing opportunities for underrepresented groups,” Mahan said.

The new mobile labs are climate-controlled and accessible. They can operate via plug-in or generator, ensuring reach to remote areas.

An advanced manufacturing curriculum offers early/entry-level skills as short-term certificates. These certificates can lead to higher-level credit programs based on demonstrated skill mastery, providing a clear pathway for career growth.

“The curriculum and mobile labs represent a reimagining of how we deliver education to meet the unique needs of our region,” Rivers said.

The project also involves key personnel, including a retention counselor, project director, instructional designer and more, to ensure success by guiding students through course completion, workforce entry or transfer opportunities.

Funding for the mobile labs initiative came from a four-year, $4.9 million Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. The purpose of the grant is to address pressing workforce needs in advanced manufacturing and nursing in a 10-county region. Its aim is to reduce vacancies and create sustainable career pathways.

Learn more at atc.edu/manufacturing.