KINGSTREE, S.C. (WCSC) – Students at the Williamsburg Technical College will soon use the library for more than just reading.
The Williamsburg Technical College is adding a workforce training center to its library. The innovative lab space will be a new student resource for workforce development, which expands the College and Career Navigator program.
More than $56,000 in grant funds from the private non-profit lender, Power:Ed, is launching the initiative. Power:Ed is a philanthropy linked to the South Carolina Student Loan.
Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons says a portion of the fund’s focus is to serve rural communities, underserved populations and first-generation students. Gibbons says the technical college serves as a job creator in the community.
“We wanted to help grow that effort to help them,” Gibbons says. “Help more South Carolinians to get the skills they need to get a better paying job and to be able to stay in Williamsburg or adjacent whether they go to the job tenders in Florence or adjacent in Georgetown County.”
More than 400 students will get career ready over the next year with the initiative. Students will have access to three-week-long classes of around 15 students in the program.
College head librarian Dr. Brandolyn Love says the expansion is bridging the gap between the community and accessible, innovative technology.
The lab will have two 3D printing devices as well as one virtual reality tool that offers simulations for welding, nursing and CPR. Students will have access to robotics to teach coding and design. A commercial-grade vinyl cutter and Apple electronics software will also be available as learning tools for students to apply in the workforce.
“We definitely want to tap into what the future of employment when they go into the workforce.” Love says.
Students who complete the program will receive recognized general technology certifications to take them to the next step in career readiness.
Community members are also welcome to participate in the sessions. Anyone interested in participating in the program can apply on the college’s website.
More information about Power:Ed funding is on their website.
