Fourth Cohort Completes Manufacturing Works Program
Press Release
Date: March 21, 2025
Contact: Lisa Garrett, lgarrett@tctc.edu
Fourth Cohort Completes Manufacturing Works Program
PENDLETON, SC – The 22 Anderson County high school seniors who completed Tri-County Technical College’s Manufacturing Works program today (March 21) are well-positioned to enter an apprenticeship program, begin a career in manufacturing, and/or continue their education at TCTC.
College officials and business and industry partners gathered to celebrate the fourth cohort to successfully complete the Manufacturing Works program. Manufacturing Works is a registered pre-apprenticeship with Apprenticeship Carolina. Arthrex and First Quality are corporate sponsors of the program.
In 2022 TCTC established Manufacturing Works for high school seniors in Anderson County who don’t have an identified path after graduation. Through the program, they gain technical skills while exploring careers in manufacturing. It is custom-designed to align with skills sought by local employers and high-quality apprenticeship programs in the region.
Tuition funding comes from the State Apprenticeship Expansion and Innovation grant administered by Apprenticeship Carolina. A participation stipend is funded by the Development Corporation of Anderson County.
Students enrolled in Manufacturing Works attend weekly classes at Tri-County’s Anderson Campus.
Each student earned an OSHA 10 card and a yellow belt in lean six sigma, learned technical skills that are useful in today’s manufacturing environment and were introduced to the fundamentals of lean manufacturing. They completed a resume and cover letter and participated in mock interviews with TCTC’s Career and Employability Resources team. They also practiced their employability skills in interviews with TCTC employer partners, First Quality and Arthrex.
Jamiah Galbreath, who will graduate from Belton-Honea Path High School in May, said he was interested in a manufacturing career before enrolling in the Manufacturing Works program. He thought the program solely would consist of hands-on, manufacturing-related concepts. “In addition to this, we were able to gain lots of knowledge through our OSHA-10 and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt classes. Ellen Pate, director of TCTC’s CER office, taught us how to write resumes and cover letters, sharpen our interview skills, and helped guide us to possible career paths. I feel more prepared to interview for future jobs, especially after we did mock interviews with Arthrex and First Quality,” said Galbreath.
Galbreath plans to enter TCTC in the fall to pursue a Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance. “I hope that this leads me to a finance job or leadership role in the area. I feel more prepared to go to college because we had class on an actual college campus and got the feel of a real college classroom.”
“One of the standout features of the Manufacturing Works program is its focus on real-world experiences,” said Elizabeth Wallace, coordinator of the Manufacturing Works program.
“This isn’t just about theory—it’s about giving you exposure into what actual workplaces look like, how they operate, and how you could become a part of one in the future. Employers are looking for qualities like dependability, communication skills, critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate, and you’ve proven yourselves in these areas,” she told the group.
“This program has proven to be an invaluable steppingstone for students interested in building a future in manufacturing or related fields. With more than 170 manufacturing companies in Anderson County, this industry offers not only job stability but also opportunities for rewarding, well-paying careers. Through Manufacturing Works, you’ve gained practical training and education that will set you up for success in a growing field,” she said.
“You’ve gotten an inside look at the manufacturing industry and gained insight into what today’s employers value most. Those experiences have not only broadened your understanding of the industry but also helped you develop a clearer vision of what you’re looking for in a future employer. With your newly earned certifications and skills, you are exactly the kind of future employee that Anderson County’s manufacturers are eager to welcome into their workforce. Today, we celebrate your achievements—and the bright futures that await you,” said Wallace.
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, industrial electronics, 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.
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