QuickSkills Training Program Opens Doors to Manufacturing

Piedmont Technical College is offering three certificates that will open doors for students to seek entry-level employment in manufacturing in Laurens County.

The QuickSkills program offers three different concentrations: Manufacturing Assembly Operator, Quality Assurance Technician, and CNC Operations. The coursework will be offered at the newly operational PTC Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) in Laurens County.

Each certificate can be completed in six weeks and is offered at several different start dates each term, The next class begins on October 15. Interested students still have time to register.

Students who meet minimum requirements for consideration by HTI for ZF Group will get a guaranteed job interview. Those selected for hire will come on board at a higher pay rate at ZF.

After completing the coursework for one or more of these certificates, students will be prepared for entry-level employment as an Assembly Operator, a CNC Machinist, or a Quality Technician at ZF Group. These positions pay between $13 and $16.50 per hour, depending on previous experience.

“These certificates are a great way to get your foot in the door in a very short amount of time,” says Rusty Denning, associate vice president of Continuing Education and Economic Development. “In the long run, we’ve set each of them up so that the coursework can be applied toward a higher level credential when students are ready.”

Students can apply the credits they’ve earned toward an associate degree in Mechatronics or Machine Tool Technology, or toward the Machine Tool diploma, which can lead to careers that pay more than $20 an hour.

The Center is also providing a means for people to pursue jobs in other manufacturing venues as well. Classes and workshops are offered on a regular basis to assist with resume writing, interview skills and soft skills such as leadership ability and ability to work with others.

“The predictions are that manufacturing in this area is going to continue and over the next two years, we should even see some expansion,” said Wanda Hill, workforce readiness center manager. “The advanced manufacturing careers are growing.”

As an introduction to career opportunities that are available in manufacturing, a free workshop is being offered at the Center on the first and third Fridays of each month. The workshop, “Careers in Advanced Manufacturing,” discusses the changes in manufacturing, the availability of training and includes a tour of the Center.

“This is about making a connection between the skills employers need and people who are looking for a good job. It’s a win for everyone,” Denning said.

For more information about QuickSkills or the free workshop, visit www.ptc.edu/quick, or call Wanda Hill at (864) 682-3703.