Engineering Technology Promotes Program during National Engineers Week

As part of its continuing efforts to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the engineering technology program at Piedmont Technical College recently celebrated National Engineers Week by inviting high school students to learn more about the career.

“Every day everyone benefits from the work of engineers,” said Sandy Warner, department head for engineering technology. “Piedmont Technical College is working with hundreds of colleges and universities across the country in the push to create more engineers through the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program.”

Students in PLTW classes at Abbeville High School and Ninety Six High School visited the Greenwood campus where they were given tours of the engineering technology labs and introduced to the programs offered. The students were then treated to lunch where PTC graduate Tabby Davis, a Lead Engineer for Product Applications at Eaton, shared the opportunities and requirements of the engineering field.

“Piedmont Tech is a great place to get an affordable education. You can get a two-year degree and go straight to work with a local manufacturing company, engineering or architectural firm,” Davis told the students. “If you choose, you can take it to the next level and continue with your four-year degree - either right away or after a few years of working in your field. Many companies have a tuition reimbursement program which will pay all or part of the cost. This is how I completed my BS in Electrical Engineering, and it has really paid off for me.”

The celebration of National Engineers Week was started in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers in conjunction with President George Washington’s birthday. President Washington is considered as the nation’s first engineer, notably for his survey work. It is observed by more than 70 engineering, education, and cultural societies, and more than 50 corporations and government agencies. The purpose of National Engineers Week is to call attention to the contributions to society that engineers make. It is also a time for engineers to emphasize the importance of learning math, science and technical skills.

Photo Caption: The engineering technology program at Piedmont Technical College recently celebrated National Engineers Week. PTC graduate Tabby Davis, a Lead Engineer for Product Applications at Eaton, right, shared the opportunities and requirements of the engineering field with Project Lead the Way students from Abbeville High School and Ninety Six High School.