South Carolina Boosts Technical College Capacity and AI Training to Meet Workforce Demands
South Carolina's technical colleges are facing a surge in enrollment, particularly in trades like building construction and welding. Midlands Technical College, for example, has only 11 seats left for its building and construction program this fall, with welding already full. Anticipating increased demand in August, many students may be waitlisted unless additional space becomes available.
To address these challenges, the 2025-26 state budget allocates over $150 million in one-time aid for building projects, maintenance, and renovations across the state's technical colleges. Two major projects each received $16 million: Midlands Tech’s building expansion and Greenville Technical College’s new center integrating manufacturing and technology skills.
Expanding Capacity at Midlands Technical College
Enrollment in trades programs such as automotive, industrial electricity, HVAC, welding, and construction has grown significantly over the past five years. Programs are reaching their limits, forcing students to wait semesters before gaining entry. Midlands Tech has temporarily increased enrollment caps and added night classes, even doubling seats in construction classes recently.
Robbie Sharpe, head of Midlands Tech’s building construction program, emphasizes that the demand isn’t fading. Students now recognize trade careers as honorable and viable, especially as scholarship programs such as the S.C. Workforce Industry Needs (WINS) Scholarship cover full tuition, making trade education affordable compared to rising college costs. Graduates typically start with salaries over $50,000 and minimal debt.
The $16 million from the state budget will fully fund the expansion of Midlands Tech’s building near West Columbia Airport, adding classrooms and workshop space. However, design and construction will take several years to complete.
Integrating AI and Cybersecurity in Manufacturing Training
At Greenville Technical College, a $41 million Center for Industrial Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence is underway, with $16 million funded by the state. This center aims to equip technicians with skills in cybersecurity and AI analytics to protect manufacturing plants from cyberattacks and improve maintenance through predictive technologies.
Manufacturing has been the most targeted industry for cyberattacks globally for four consecutive years, accounting for 26% of attacks in 2024, surpassing finance and energy sectors. Greenville Tech’s initiative responds to this by merging cybersecurity with AI training to enhance plant security and operational efficiency.
More about AI training opportunities can be found at Complete AI Training.
Additional Investments Across the State
Other significant projects include a $15 million Technical High School Workforce Center at Central Carolina Technical College. This center will support partnerships with a future technical high school in Sumter, linking high school students to college-level industrial programs.
Below is a summary of budget allocations for fourteen technical colleges for projects, maintenance, and renovations starting July 1:
- Aiken Technical College: $6.7 million
- Central Carolina Technical College: $23.5 million
- Florence-Darlington Technical College: $4 million
- Greenville Technical College: $24 million
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College: $8 million
- Midlands Technical College: $28.5 million
- Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College: $7.9 million
- Piedmont Technical College: $7 million
- Spartanburg Community College: $9.2 million
- Technical College of the Lowcountry: $1 million
- Tri-County Technical College: $9 million
- Williamsburg Technical College: $1 million
- York Technical College: $4 million
Denmark Technical College and Northeastern Technical College do not receive one-time aid in this budget cycle.
Meeting Workforce Needs Through Education
For educators, these investments highlight the importance of expanding technical education infrastructure and curricula to meet current labor market demands. The focus on trades combined with emerging skills like AI and cybersecurity in manufacturing provides students with strong career prospects and supports the state's economic growth.
Technical colleges are encouraged to continue exploring flexible scheduling and preparatory courses to accommodate growing student interest. Scholarship programs like WINS are critical to making these pathways accessible and affordable.
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