New adult workforce development programs to be offered in Pickens County
December 7, 2023
Tri-County Technical College and the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) are partnering to bring new adult workforce development programs to Pickens County. The partnership, called EmpowerUp, features four programs that are fast, flexible and locally-relevant: certified nurse aide (CNA), commercial truck driving (CDL), computer numerical control (CNC) and electrical wiring.
All four programs will be offered at little to no cost in the evenings at the Pickens County Career and Technology Center starting in January.
“Our mission is to provide students an exceptional and affordable learning experience that improves their quality of life and to advance economic development in the region by preparing a highly skilled workforce,” said Dr. Mandy Elmore, assistant vice president of curriculum and instruction at TCTC. “EmpowerUp aligns with our mission as these programs are specifically designed to promote and support adult student success, workforce development, our community, and our local economy.”
“The EmpowerUp partnership between Tri-County and the School District of Pickens County marks a significant stride in our commitment to lifelong learning and workforce development in our community,” said SDPC Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck. “These accessible, evening programs in vital fields such as health care, transportation, manufacturing, and electrical wiring demonstrate our dedication to offering opportunities that are both affordable and relevant to the evolving needs of Pickens County. We are thrilled to provide these pathways to success for our adult learners, enhancing both personal growth and local economic vitality.”
An open house will be held Monday, December 11, 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., at the Pickens County Career and Technology Center. Those who attend can register for their chosen program and begin the financial aid process. The goal is to enroll 44 students.
To learn more, visit tctc.edu/empowerup.
About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, business administration, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
About the School District of Pickens County
Located at the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the School District of Pickens County is South Carolina’s 15th largest school district with an enrollment of over 16,300 students. With 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 4 high schools, a cutting edge Career & Technology Center, and 3 special programs sites, SDPC serves Pickens County by partnering with our community to provide a quality educational environments that guide all students to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the challenges of an ever changing world. The purpose of the School District of Pickens County is to prepare students for a bright and successful future, no matter what path they choose. To learn more, visit pickens.k12.sc.us.
