Bench created by Greenville Technical College Welding students is donated to the city for display near the Liberty Bridge landmark that inspired its design

A replica of the Liberty Bridge created by Greenville Technical College Welding students for the city of Greenville’s Poinsettia Christmas Parade was donated to the city on August 27, 2024, for display in Falls Park near the city landmark that inspired its design.

When Greenville Technical College decided on a Liberty Bridge theme for the 2023 entry in the parade, a Welding Blueprint Reading class played a key role in getting the project completed. Instructor Saija Butters divided the class into groups and had each group create a design. When one of the designs was selected by the parade committee, the class welded and painted a finished form for the float, which was then decorated by the students and committee.

“Turning the parade float into a real-world learning project for Welding students made the float meaningful and demonstrated the college’s role in delivering relevant education,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “With the bench on display in downtown Greenville, our talented welding students and graduates have impacted not only the businesses where they work but also the city where they have studied.”

With the 2023 float a success, the plan is to collaborate with other programs and their students in the future, turning the effort once again into a learning experience.

Welding graduates go to work for top companies across the Upstate, where their skills fill ready openings. Demand is strong, with only one new welder prepared to enter the workforce for every four who retire or leave the field. The General Assembly has appropriated $15 million to help the college solve the welding challenge in workforce development, with plans to create a 44,000 square foot Center for Welding and Automation Excellence at the Brashier Campus. This addition will offer enhanced technology including artificial intelligence, expanded and inviting teaching and learning spaces, and increased welding stations. A spring 2025 groundbreaking for the facility is planned.