Columbia, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, is making significant strides in skilled trades training with a $1 million grant from the Lowe’s Foundation to Midlands Technical College. The funds will allow for the hiring of a fourth instructor and an increase in student enrollment from 24 to 48. This expansion responds to the growing demand for skilled trades personnel. Midlands Technical College’s unique hands-on approach, where students build homes for funding, prepares them for careers in construction. The Lowe’s Foundation also promises a total of $50 million over five years to further enhance training programs across the U.S.
Columbia, South Carolina, Takes a Giant Leap in Skilled Trades Training!
Exciting news is buzzing around Columbia, South Carolina, as the need for skilled trades training continues to rise! With soaring demand for its building construction program, Midlands Technical College is gearing up to expand its capacity, thanks in part to a generous $1 million grant from the Lowe’s Foundation. This infusion of funds is a game changer for students eager to join the ranks of skilled tradespeople in our community.
Program director Robbie Sharpe has shared that the college has faced challenges recently, with a staggering number of applicants being turned away due to inadequate training space. To tackle the problem head-on, Midlands Technical College has a unique approach to learning, as students actively engage in building single-family homes, which are then sold to fund future projects. This hands-on experience not only prepares students for the real world but also contributes to the local housing market.
Thanks to the support from the Lowe’s Foundation, Midlands Technical College is now able to hire a fourth full-time instructor! This means they can double their enrollment capacity from 24 to a whopping 48 students! That’s a big step forward, especially for those eager to dive into the construction field.
A Vision for the Future
The Lowe’s Foundation isn’t just stopping at this one donation, either! They have pledged a fantastic $50 million over the next five years with the aim of reaching 50,000 individuals seeking careers in the skilled trades. To date, they’ve already allocated about $43 million to 60 technical schools nationwide since the start of 2023. This support opens up doors for many students who might not have considered a career in skilled trades before.
Betsy Conway, the Foundation Director, pointed out that with these improvements, program creativity and hands-on experiences have enhanced worker preparedness. One exciting initiative is their Gable Grants program, which aims to assist students in rural areas through mobile unit outreach and help them start their training. This addresses the barriers many face when it comes to accessing community colleges.
New Minds Embracing Construction Careers
Graduates from Sharpe’s program are making strides in their careers, entering both residential and non-residential construction fields. Around 40% of these graduates secure jobs in commercial settings, showcasing the diverse opportunities within this sector. It’s also encouraged that non-residential builders become more proactive by engaging with local training programs, possibly joining advisory committees that facilitate workforce development and help recruit fresh talent.
Changing Perceptions in the Community
Sparking a conversation about labor shortages is critical, and communities are beginning to see the growing interest in skilled trades clearly. The jobs in this sector often require specialized labor, creating unique challenges for employers, especially when navigating compliance for workers with temporary immigration status. However, this only emphasizes the need for skilled workers and the importance of educational initiatives to fill these gaps.
In conclusion, Columbia is well on its way to becoming a beacon of opportunity for future tradespeople, with Midlands Technical College leading the charge. The commitment from the Lowe’s Foundation promises to reshape the educational landscape, providing students from various backgrounds with the tools they need to succeed in rewarding careers. And as the demand for skilled trades continues to grow, we can only anticipate more innovative programs coming our way!
FAQs
What grant has the Lowe’s Foundation provided to Midlands Technical College?
The Lowe’s Foundation provided a $1 million grant to the program in response to its demand.
What will the grant allow Midlands Technical College to do?
The grant allowed Midlands Technical College to hire a fourth full-time instructor and double its enrollment capacity from 24 to 48 students.
What is the total amount the Lowe’s Foundation has pledged for skilled trades training over five years?
The Lowe’s Foundation has pledged to donate $50 million across five years to reach 50,000 individuals seeking careers in the skilled trades.
What unique approach does Midlands Technical College use in its building construction program?
The college educates students by having them build single-family homes, selling the homes to fund future projects.
Key Features of the Grant and Program
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $1 Million |
| Program Enrollment Capacity | Doubled from 24 to 48 students |
| Lowe’s Foundation Total Commitment | $50 Million over five years |
| Graduates’ Career Paths | Both residential and non-residential construction |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Construction Dive: Nonprofit Construction Recruiting
- WLTX: Nuclear Energy Job Opportunities
- LBM Journal: Increase in Construction Jobs
- SC Daily Gazette: New Center for Motor Assembly Jobs
- Columbia Business Report: Fayat Distribution Center Construction
- Wikipedia: Skilled Trades
- Google Search: Construction Jobs Training
- Google Scholar: Construction Education Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Industry
- Google News: Construction Jobs
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