MTC partners with local high school welding programs

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Midlands Technical College has partnered with high school welding programs in Lexington, Richland and Fairfield counties to extend college credit for high school work and better prepare students for employment in the welding industry.

The plan sparked when MTC welding program coordinator Ray Thomas noticed that many high school students coming to the college already had basic knowledge and skills. An initial partnership was formed with Lexington School District One.

 “We had great feedback and great results,” Thomas said in a news release. “The parents really liked it because it showed them a clear path for their students to be able to continue their education. Eventually, we introduced the program to all the high school-level welding programs in our area.”

MTC hopes the partnership will create a quicker, less expensive path to welding certification for students as well as fulfill workforce demand by producing trained workers.

“This partnership creates a winning situation for everyone involved,” MTC president Ron Rhames said. “Students will save time and money while pursuing a great career. Local employers will benefit from having a larger pool of trained welders entering the workforce each year. The partnership provides clear pathways for students to continue their education after high school.”

MTC is planning a $4 million expansion of its welding facility and a corresponding expansion of its welding curriculum.

“This is definitely a win-win situation for all involved,” said Kevin Gratton, a welding instructor at Lexington Technology Center. “At LTC, we explain to our students on a daily basis how much industry needs welders and all the other welding-related occupations. I have a number of students who are gainfully employed with some the best companies in Columbia and the surrounding area.”