By Dr. Kyle Wagner
President, Northeastern Technical College
Dillon County has a huge opportunity with the SC Port Authority’s recent decision to bring their new Inland Port to the area, and Northeastern Technical College is committed, more than ever, to helping the county reach its fullest potential.
The Inland Port could change the face of the county, by bringing the world market to our doorstep, and with it – jobs, new businesses and industry, and even more jobs. But, in order for us to be successful, we have to be prepared, and that means having a workforce that is trained to meet the unique needs of each industry.
Northeastern Technical College is ready for the task at hand. We have been engaging industry for close to half a century, working closely with communities, schools, and other businesses to develop training programs that meet workforce needs. We have been nationally recognized for our apprenticeship and partnership programs, and it’s our goal to bring those same types of programs to Dillon County.
Northeastern Technical College’s vision for the future includes the expansion of our Dillon Campus and it’s programs, so we can be a comprehensive source of higher education to the citizens of Dillon County. We want to provide the community with access to new employment opportunities, and students with a local, and more affordable, pathway to four-year universities.
We are currently developing new training programs in the area of Allied Health by aligning the current CNA and Phlebotomy programs with Medical Terminology, Intro to Computers, Long Term Health Care, and Human Growth and Development courses. Our goal is to provide Dillon County students with work ready skills and knowledge for employment in the Allied Health industries. Students who complete these programs will also receive preferential points for entry into the LPN and RN programs in Cheraw and future programs in Dillon County.
In the area of Manufacturing, Northeastern is currently offering First line Supervisor Certification, Production Technician Certification, and CNC Operator Certifications. With additional training space, our goal is to bring Machine Tool and Die, Welding Certification in ARC Welding, TIG Welding, and MIG Welding, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Electrical Engineering Technology to Dillon County.
In the areas of Logistics and Transportation, Northeastern is currently offering CDL training, with the first class for Dillon County starting on July 31. Heavy Equipment Operator, Fort Lift Operator, and Crane Operator Certifications. Anticipating the needs of the Inland Port, we plan to expand programs related to Port operations by adding Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, and Transportation Management to our program offerings.
Northeastern Technical College is committed to supporting the businesses and citizens of Dillon County by providing the training and education needed, and taking advantage of the opportunities the new Port will bring before us. Working hand in hand with community leaders, industries, and citizens, we can all create business opportunities to last a life time.