Connection January/February 2023
In this Issue …
College Holds First Fall Commencement Ceremony.............3
Early Childhood Education Receives SC Endeavors Grant..........4
Fourteen Complete New Plastic Injection Mold Class The College recently launched a new workforce training program aimed at increasing the number of skilled plastic injection mold technicians in the area. There are 75 businesses in the tri-county region that perform plastic injection molding. In recent years the need for the plastic mold injection occupation has grown significantly and is projected to continue to grow between five Instructor Josh Ledbetter, director of engineering at Baxter and 10% over the next 10 years, Manufacturing and a 26-year veteran of the plastics manufacturing according to data from the S.C. industry, back row, far right, poses with the 14 graduates of the new Department of Employment and Plastic Mold Injection certificate program. Workforce. A group of associates working in the plastics industry in Oconee County completed TCTC’s pilot plastic injection mold class on December 15, 2022. Fourteen students employed at Baxter Manufacturing, Clarios and Horton successfully completed the seven week, 20-hour program that was taught at TCTC’s Oconee Campus. They earned an Introduction to Plastic Injection Molding certificate from TCTC by gaining knowledge in plastic and the plastic industry, mold processes and mold machines, and safety. They also learned employability skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, and communication. This training makes them eligible for plastic injection mold technician roles at their companies that pay (on average) an hourly rate of $25-33. “This is a proud moment for us,” said Bryan Manual, dean of Manufacturing Works Completion Ceremony – March 17 Integrated Workforce Solutions Student Awards Ceremony – April 5 at TCTC. “It’s been a long time Men of Color Golf Tournament – April 6 coming.” Commission Meeting – April 10 “Thank you for investing in yourselves and continuing to Business Technology Annual Steps to Success Event – April 13 learn,” said Dr. Galen DeHay, Spring Convocation – May 4 (continued on page 10) Spring Commencement – May 9
Upcoming Dates
Clemson Downs Donation Supports Nursing Scholarship.........7