Construction Commences on $26M Workforce Training Center Near Bluffton
State-of-the-Art Facility to Boost Job Skill Training
The construction of an impressive $26 million workforce training center has officially begun in the vicinity of Bluffton, South Carolina. The facility, named the Arthur E. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center, comprises a spacious 50,000-square-foot area and will serve as the second addition to the TCL New River campus which spans across Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Funding and Future Capacity
Financing for the training center received substantial support from the State of South Carolina’s 2023 budget with a $10 million allocation. The remaining funds needed to meet the projected overall cost of $26 million are being sourced through partnerships with local government entities, the industry sector, and private donors.
The completion of the Arthur E. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center will significantly enhance TCL’s student capacity. The new establishment is projected to accommodate an additional 850 students, furthering the college’s mission to increase access to quality education and training in the region.
Training Programs to Address Evolving Workforce Needs
A diverse range of new and expanded programs are set to be offered at the center, including training in manufacturing, automated systems, logistics, business and entrepreneurship, computer technology, among others. Notably, the center also plans to offer accelerated workforce certifications in fields such as forklift operations and HVAC training, which can be earned in just a few months or less. Additionally, the innovative design of the “stackable offerings” will allow students to break down longer programs into manageable chunks that can easily fit into their schedules without impeding their current income generation.
Aligning with Local Economic Development Initiatives
The programs planned for the new facility align with the goals of local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce who are keen on fostering key sectors for economic growth, such as the aerospace and defense, light manufacturing and distribution, headquarter and back office, green and alternative energies, and cybersecurity sectors. The newly designed courses at the center also cater to the training needs of other vital workforce groups in the Lowcountry, including military personnel and small businesses.
This substantial investment in the training and development of both current and future workforce reflects a pivotal shift towards a diversified economy while also maintaining the region’s unique way of life. It is a vivid illustration of the community’s commitment to fostering a skilled and versatile labor force that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
The construction of the Arthur E. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center represents a milestone in the creation of a modern and accessible learning space that is set to enhance the Lowcountry’s workforce and contribute significantly to the region’s overall economic health.
