Northeastern Technical College officials announced a $6.9 million investment in its Marlboro County campus.

The expansion project is being funded by a $5.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant awarded to the college prior to the pandemic. The US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration is providing partial funding for this project through EDA Investment No. 04-79-07431 &.01, as well as through an additional $1.4 million provided by SC Proviso 118.18 led by Senator Kent Williams in the 2022 legislative session to cover the increased construction costs of the project following the pandemic.

The expansion project will include the renovation of over 19,000 square feet and the addition of 10,000 square feet for state-of-the-art training labs for diesel mechanics, CNC, Machine Tool, and Construction technology. The Construction Technology program will be in partnership with Arris of Clio to include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other programs.

Furthermore, the investment will provide for the expansion of an allied health training lab for students interested in nurse assisting, phlebotomy, and EMT. The college hopes that the allied health lab will provide a pathway to future LPN students, enabling them to better meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers.

The Marlboro County campus is located in Bennettsville and serves the surrounding communities by providing educational and training opportunities for a variety of careers. The college is committed to ensuring that its students have access to the most current technology and training programs to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

Dr. Kyle Wagner, president of NETC, said, “We are excited to receive this significant investment in our Marlboro County campus, and we look forward to the opportunities it will create for our students and the community. This expansion project will enable us to better meet the needs of local employers and provide our students with the skills and training they need to succeed in their careers.”

NETC is receiving bids for construction of the expansion and plans for the project to get underway by summer 2023.

SC Works, as well as the college, will continue standard operating hours and continue to serve the needs of the Marlboro County workforce while the expansion is in progress.

Officials said the investment will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the local community by creating new job opportunities and supporting the growth of the local economy.