HGTC Partners with Envirosep for Apprenticeships
Monday, October 5th, 2020
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is proud to announce a new apprenticeship program at Envirosep, a leading manufacturer of integrated fluid handling and heat transfer systems, in Georgetown. The two apprentices are Mechatronics students at the HGTC Georgetown Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
Tim Tilley, President/CEO of Envirosep, developed a nationally recognized apprenticeship program, registered through the US Department of Labor, for industrial electrician. Upon completion of this apprenticeship, accredited certification for the student is authorized by the US Department of Labor.
“I am pleased to announce our first apprentices are enrolled students in HGTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Georgetown Campus. The ability to perform the ‘application’ of theory learned in a classroom will permit the apprentices to develop invaluable expertise, while receiving a full wage during the apprenticeship,” said Tilley.
Apprenticeships are an “earn while you learn” training model that combines structured on-the-job training, job-related education, and a scalable wage progression. HGTC students get all these benefits and the company earns a state tax credit per apprentice and builds a skilled and credentialed workforce from within.
“I am committed to the investment of in-house education and development. The investment of time and money will prove to the highest level of professionals in our region,” continued Tilley.
Jackson Blakeley, HGTC Mechatronics Student, Envirosep Apprentice:
“Working with and learning from the men at Envirosep has shown me the many different ways to approach a new task. Getting up and heading to an actual job has been exciting. The apprenticeship program has shown me how all the theory at school applies to the real world.”
Theron Massie, HGTC Mechatronics Student, Envirosep Apprentice:
“HGTC offers an amazing Mechatronics program and has greatly impacted my future career. I have been able to acquire a wide range of skills and knowledge in such a short amount of time. Thanks to HGTC, I was offered a paid position with the apprenticeship program at Envirosep. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the apprenticeship program at Envirosep. Through on-the-job training, I am learning the skills and experience I will utilize throughout my career. These same skills have already assisted me with the day-to-day schoolwork at HGTC. I look forward to going to work every day!”
Professor Bob Ragno, HGTC Mechatronics Professor:
“Apprenticeship programs are the perfect marriage between formal technical training institutions and industry. The apprenticeship program at Envirosep has given me valuable feedback on how the mechatronics curriculum has prepared our students. This feedback is an invaluable tool for future curriculum related decision making. I get direct input on what we have done correct and what needs adjustments. The students get to see how their training is utilized in actual maintenance related tasks. To see the excitement on my students’ faces after a few days of working at Envirosep was a priceless validation of what we do here at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. The Apprenticeship is also good for Industry. Companies get to see firsthand what a student can and can’t do. They get to further train our students and their future workforce on their specific needs knowing that they have the basic foundation skills upon which work with.”
HGTC is currently arranging for additional apprenticeships in conjunction with Apprenticeship Carolina, a division of the SC Technical College System, in the following areas: healthcare, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and information technology.
Workforce Development & Continuing Education is actively pursuing grants to help offset the cost of job-related education, tools, and/or textbooks for these apprentices. A recent $42,500 Apprenticeship Carolina Expansion Grant will allow us to increase the number of apprentices in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, increase the diversity of apprenticeship participants, expand apprenticeship opportunities in new industries, and increase the development and oversight of apprenticeship programs statewide.
For referrals of individuals interested in apprenticeship opportunities or more information for employers to host apprentices, please contact Julie Golden: 843-520-1476, julie.golden@hgtc.edu.
Fast forward classes for the fall semester begin October 15. Financial aid and scholarships are still available. To apply, call 843-347-3186 or visit www.hgtc.edu.
