Engineering Technology Promotes STEM Careers 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. “While National Engineers Week focuses on those who are in the engineering field, we wanted to celebrate the students who have chosen engineering as a career.”

Students in the Project Lead the Way classes at 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 along with current Piedmont Tech engineering technology students were then treated to lunch where John Thompson, plant manager at Eaton Corporation and a PTC graduate, encouraged students to continue their education.

“I was not the most serious student in high school and I wasn’t prepared for a four-year university,” Thompson told the students. “Piedmont Technical College was there to provide the opportunity for me to earn a degree and pursue a worthwhile career.”

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 John Thompson, plant manager at Eaton, center, encouraged students with Project Lead the Way from Ninety Six High School and current PTC engineering technology students to continue their education.