Piedmont Technical College to Offer Night Welding Classes

Piedmont Technical College and the Newberry County School District have formed a partnership to offer the PTC welding program at night beginning in the fall. The program is expected to expand to the full certificate offering in the spring 2018 pending SACSCOC approval of the Newberry County Career Center as an off-campus instructional site.

“The Newberry County School District is very excited to partner with PTC to provide welding classes at the Newberry County Career Center which allows our students and community members an opportunity to obtain a Basic Welding Certificate,” said Jim Suber, superintendent of the Newberry County School District. “We also envision our adult education students being able to take advantage of this program as well.”

Based on the agreement, welding courses will be offered at the Newberry County Career Center leading to the basic welding certificate. Classes will be offered in the evening, two days a week, during the fall and spring. The summer schedule may vary, depending on needs of the students and availability of the instructors. Upon completion of the credit hours, students will be eligible for graduation with a basic welding certificate.

“These classes are the same beginning courses taught in Greenwood,” said Otis Cunningham, PTC welding program department head/instructor. “We want to provide options for those who are interested in enrolling in the welding program, but are unable to make the drive.”

Not only can students earn the basic welding degree, but all credits earned by these students in the welding subject areas may be applied toward any degree, diploma or certificate programs at Piedmont Tech where completed classes are applicable to fulfill graduation requirements.

“Providing students with the right opportunities to be successful in the workforce is at the heart of our mission at Piedmont Technical College,” said Dr. Ray Brooks, president of PTC. “We are thrilled about working with the Newberry County School District and the Newberry County Career Center to offer students access to training in this highly sought-after profession.”

“We value our partnership with PTC and thank Dr. Ray Brooks and his staff for working with us to make this a reality,” said Suber. “We look forward to partnering with PTC on future initiatives that better prepare our students to be college and career ready.

For more information or to register for classes, contact the Piedmont Technical College Newberry County Campus at (803) 276-9000.

Photo Caption: Piedmont Technical College and the Newberry County School District (NCSD) recently signed an articulation agreement that will offer the PTC welding program at night at the Newberry County Career Center. Signing the agreement at a recent ceremony are, from left, Katrina Singletary, NCSD director of secondary education; Jim Suber, NCSD superintendent; Dr. Ray Brooks, PTC president; Dr. Lynn Cary, NCSD assistant superintendent for instruction; and Beverly Leslie, director of the Newberry County Career Center.