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A prestigious recognition for Greenville Technical College
Recently, the Society of Manufacturing Engineering (SME) awarded Greenville Technical College the inaugural SME 2025 Workforce Development Innovations Award. This accolade was established to honor institutions that are making significant strides in workforce training and education, ultimately ensuring a robust pipeline for the manufacturing sector in North America.
Driving change through collaboration
SME emphasizes that the selected programs are distinguished by their strong partnerships with industry leaders, state-of-the-art facilities, and an industry-aligned curriculum. By incorporating emerging technologies into their offerings, these workforce development initiatives provide stackable credentials and diverse pathways across various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, and transportation. This holistic approach not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for the demands of the modern workforce.
Expanding educational opportunities
The School of Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology at Greenville Technical College serves over 600 credit and non-credit students each year, including those enrolled in dual programs while still in high school. The college emphasizes experiential learning, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in internships, apprenticeships, and tech scholar programs, all designed to connect them with the local industry.
Meeting industry demands
At the Center for Manufacturing Innovation, the college offers specialized training for mechatronics technicians, machinists, and electronic technicians. Since its inception in 2016, this center has actively addressed the skilled labor shortage in advanced manufacturing. Programs within the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Transportation, and Technology report impressive job placement rates, with 89% of Automotive and Diesel Technology graduates finding employment within six months, alongside 93% of graduates from the Advanced Manufacturing and CNC Machining programs successfully entering their chosen fields.
Innovative degree offerings
Additionally, the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Transportation, and Technology has introduced the state’s first bachelor’s degree offered at a two-year institution: the Bachelor in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology. This degree aims to fulfill the educational requirements that employers seek for positions of leadership, thus enhancing the career prospects of graduates.
A commitment to success
Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the award, stating, “We are thrilled to be the first recipient of the SME Workforce Development Innovations Award.” He further highlighted the significance of this recognition, emphasizing the college’s dedication to addressing employer needs through relevant educational programs that lead to successful outcomes for graduates.
The role of SME in manufacturing
Founded in 1932 as a nonprofit, the Society of Manufacturing Engineering represents the broad spectrum of the North American manufacturing industry, encompassing manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities they serve. SME is committed to fostering economic growth and prosperity through manufacturing, developing innovative solutions to tackle industry challenges and advance future growth.