News Summary
Horry Georgetown Technical College recently hosted the 41st Annual South Carolina Technical College Welding Competition at its Advanced Manufacturing Center. Students from six technical colleges showcased their skills in welding, addressing the growing demand for skilled welders in industries like power and process piping. With impressive job placement rates for graduates, the event enhances students’ preparedness for rewarding careers in welding and trades. The competition highlights the importance of hands-on training and dual-learning initiatives like PALM, positioning students for future success in the workforce.
Exciting Times at Conway: Horry Georgetown Technical College Hosts Welding Competition
Conway has recently become the epicenter for aspiring welders, thanks to the 41st Annual South Carolina Technical College Welding Competition, held at the sleek HGTC Advanced Manufacturing Center. This fantastic event brought together students from six different technical colleges across the state, with a total of 34 budding welders ready to showcase their skills. Talk about a showcase of talent!
A True Display of Skill and Dedication
The competition this year featured students from Tri-County Technical College, Spartanburg Community College, Midlands Technical College, York Technical College, and Florence-Darlington Technical College. These up-and-coming welders have spent countless hours honing their craft, and it was finally their time to shine. The event aimed to promote not only excellence in welding but also a chance for these students to demonstrate their skills in processes that are hot commodities in today’s job market.
Why Welding? A Growing Demand
So why the emphasis on welding? Well, local employers are clamoring for skilled welders, particularly in fields like power plants, process piping, and pharmaceutical plants. With the demand on the rise, welders in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions are taking home some impressive paychecks, earning anywhere from $18.00 to $35.00 per hour, depending on their specialization. That’s good news for those who are considering a career in welding!
Success Rates That Speak Volumes
Since 2014, Horry Georgetown Technical College has celebrated an incredible job placement rate hovering between 95% to 100% for welding graduates. That’s a number that certainly catches the eye! With this level of success, it’s clear that welding education at HGTC equips students with practical skills that are in high demand across various industries.
The Tradition Continues
The annual welding competition is part of a long-standing tradition among technical colleges, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to compete against their peers and to show how ready they are for a career in welding. Jeff Ball, who oversees workforce development at HGTC, emphasized how important it is to prepare these students for the real world. It’s not just about learning how to weld; it’s about becoming indispensable in today’s workforce.
Shining a Light on Dual Learning Initiatives
In a related twist, shout out to the Palmetto Academy of Learning Motorsports (PALM), the nation’s only motorsports high school. PALM offers a unique hybrid curriculum combining hands-on training in welding, motorsports technology, and digital arts with traditional academics. Recently, PALM announced a graduation rate of 79.2%, which is quite a feat compared to district and statewide averages. This school is doing everything it can to tailor its classes around students’ interests, encouraging them to dig into skill training.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Welders
Approximately half of PALM’s students are considered disadvantaged, and many are ready to transition to trades or skill training at HGTC after graduation. PALM operates four days a week, giving students the flexibility to work on Fridays or catch up on schoolwork. Adding to the excitement, students even get to work on real cars and race them at local tracks. What a thrilling way to learn!
Investments and Improvements on the Horizon
PALM has received significant donations, including a whopping $10,000 worth of paint for its auto body class. With a shift in administration aimed at improving state scores, PALM recently upgraded from a “below average” to a “good” rating, signaling a bright future. Plus, collaborations with companies like Boeing are in the works to enhance career prospects for students.
Looking Ahead
Many graduates from PALM are eyeing careers in trades or enrolling in skill training programs after their unique educational journey. With high demands for welders and other trades, events like the welding competition at HGTC offer exciting opportunities for students to jump into rewarding careers. The future truly looks promising for these aspiring welders—let’s cheer them on as they forge their paths!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
CarolinaPower Supports Students at SkillsUSA Competition
Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Myrtle Beach Online
- QC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Welding
- Google Search: Welding Competition South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
