Help for Getting New Jobs in Demand

Piedmont Tech yesterday announced the creation of tuition-free opportunities at PTC due to funding available from the CARES act.

Governor Henry McMaster’s January 5th announcement providing $19.9 million in emergency CARES Act funding to support education included $8 million for institutions in the SC Technical College System to provide directed job training. As a result, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is offering several certification courses that will be available within 30 days at little or no cost for SC residents over 18.

“Those who complete these certificate programs will be on a fast track to employment,” said Rusty Denning, associate vice president, economic development and continuing education at PTC. He added, “What we once called ‘Quick Skills’ are now truly ‘Quicker Skills,’ thanks to this new resource.”

Recipients of the scholarships be state residents who are at least 18 years old. Some programs may have additional requirements, but most come with broad eligibility for more than 3,000 citizens to take advantage of.

The governor stated, “These targeted grants will train thousands of South Carolinians for high-demand jobs and provide the groundwork for our next generation to excel in the workplace.” Said demand for these programs has increased due to the pandemic.

Courses available through PTC under this grant include the South Carolina Manufacturing Certification, South Carolina Logistics Certification, Commercial Truck Driver Training, Welding, and several health care-related credentials, including Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician and Contact Tracing. Additional courses qualifying for this tuition funding continue to be added to the list, so those interested should inquire about the full range of opportunities.

Rusty Denning said, “All of these programs lead to a certification or industry-recognized credential. Each is in a field currently experiencing high demand.”

More information is available at www.ptc.edu/quickskills or with a call to the PTC Continuing Education Office: (864) 941-8401.