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GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Clemson University and Greenville Technical College are creating a new $25 million center to train students for high-tech jobs in the automotive, transportation and other industries.
The Center for Manufacturing Innovation represents a collaboration between the institutions, the local school district, and area manufacturers including BMW, Michelin, General Electric and Bosch Rexroth.
Officials broke ground on the new center in Greenville near Clemson's International Center for Automotive Research Technology, known as I-CAR.
The goal of the new center is to increase the number of skilled workers for companies operating in upstate South Carolina.
It will offer dual-credit programs and also work with Greenville County schools to interest students in careers in advanced manufacturing. The universities hope to get younger students engaged in high-tech manufacturing careers through tours of the center and camps.
There will also be internships and apprenticeships so students can get experience working with experienced engineers and faculty.
Back in 2013, Greenville County Council approved a $25 million bond issue for Greenville Tech to build the center.
"This center has the potential to transform manufacturing education in the Upstate, which will make a huge difference that will eventually be felt across South Carolina," Clemson President James Clements said in a news release.
"Our Center for Manufacturing Innovation represents a game-changing approach to education," added Keith Miller, president of Greenville Tech.
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