Piedmont Tech Expands Industrial Technology Offerings in Laurens County

Piedmont Technical College is expanding its industrial technology offerings in Laurens County with the addition of four new classes in the machine tool technology program.

The four new classes are designed to introduce students to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) based manufacturing job requirements. These classes are considered the first step in learning CNC technical skills or may serve as a refresher for those people who already work in a machining environment.

“Many technical job openings are coming into the Laurens County area and the skills developed in these classes will begin to prepare job candidates for new industry,” said Bob Koster, machine tool technology department head.

Training will consist of basic blueprint understanding, shop math, using measuring equipment and operating HAAS simulators for CNC programming. The HAAS simulators are identical to the actual controllers that operate HAAS CNC lathes and milling machines.

All classes are curriculum-based and will be accepted for college credit in machine tool technology at Piedmont Technical College. The four classes will be offered during the day and evening at the Laurens County Higher Education Center (LCHEC) and will require students to attend two days or two evenings a week. Students will also be required to travel to the Greenwood campus to operate actual CNC machines at various times during the semester.

“We are expanding our offerings to meet current and future industry demand in Laurens County,” said Keith Lasure, dean of engineering and industrial technology at PTC. “Providing students with the right opportunities to be successful in the work force is at the heart of our mission at Piedmont Technical College.”

For more information, contact Koster at (864) 941-8471. To register, contact the LCHEC at (864) 938-1505.