Greenville Technical College and Clemson University announced an agreement to educate the advanced manufacturing workforce to serve the automotive, transportation, and other high-tech sectors.
According to a memorandum of understanding signed by Greenville Technical College President Dr. Keith Miller and Clemson University President James Barker, the vision is for collaboration between a leading research university, an innovative technical college, and advanced manufacturers, creating a center that enhances the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies.
The Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI), to be located at the Millennium Campus adjacent to Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) Technology Neighborhood #1, will offer education designed to meet industry needs including dual credit programs in partnership with Greenville County Schools, bridge programs that allow a student to move from associate degree to bachelor’s degree, and workforce training and certificate programs that increase the qualifications of manufacturing employees.
Research for innovation in advanced manufacturing and future technologies related to advanced manufacturing will be incorporated into instruction. This will allow students to gain practical experience working alongside experienced engineers, faculty, and staff.
The center will engage K-12 students and show them the possibilities that exist in advanced manufacturing careers through dual enrollment programs, tours, camps, and open houses.
From an economic development perspective, Upstate leaders have said that the economic development race will be won by communities that offer the services manufacturers need. To help companies compete globally, employers need a flexible, highly-skilled workforce equipped to maximize new technologies, adapt to evolving production processes and work organization models, and solve problems rapidly.
In addition to creating a skilled workforce, the Center for Manufacturing Innovation will offer landing pad space that helps companies start up or relocate and will provide flexible space where manufacturers can create prototypes and teach their current employees new skills to keep them on the cutting edge of improvements in technology.
The idea for the campus began with the needs of employers. As the concept has been developed, leaders with area manufacturers including BMW, Michelin, GE, Bosch Rexroth, ADEX Machining Technologies, League Manufacturing, JTEKT Koyo, Fabri-Kal, SpecFab Services, Master PT, Standard Motor Products and more have voiced strong support for the project and have provided input that has allowed plans for a Center for Manufacturing Innovation to take shape.
In September, Greenville County Council gave unanimous approval to a $25 million bond issue for Greenville Technical College to build an enterprise campus.
A site selection firm considered a number of locations across the county and these locations were presented to Greenville Technical College’s governing board, the Greenville County Commission for Technical and Higher Education. The chosen site was selected for its proximity to partners, visibility, and land features.
“Our intent as we have worked toward the creation of this Center for Manufacturing Innovation has been to better meet the needs of manufacturers in our area, so that those companies can continue to move our economy forward,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “By collaborating with Clemson University as we also work closely with Greenville County Schools, we have education in the Upstate serving as a powerful and united force for workforce development.”
Clemson University President Jim Barker said Clemson is proud and happy to be Greenville’s public research university partner. “Today we celebrate another important partnership with Greenville Technical College to provide the advanced manufacturing workforce education our community needs,” Barker said.
About Greenville Technical College
Greenville Technical College is a four-campus system where nearly 30,000 students are annually preparing for the strongest careers of today and tomorrow. Established in 1962, the college’s mission is to drive personal and economic growth through learning. With more than 100 curriculum program choices along with short-term training for career and personal development, Greenville Technical College gives employers a ready supply of skilled workers and provides students with an education that will help them succeed. First accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in 1968, the college’s accreditation was recently reaffirmed for a ten-year period — the maximum time period possible. Regional accreditation allows students to transfer easily and gives employers assurance that job candidates from Greenville Tech have received a quality education.
Greenville Tech promotes a respectful campus culture that reflects appreciation for diversity and inclusion at all levels. For more information about the college and its programs, professors and partnerships, visit www.gvltec.edu.