FLORENCE, S.C. (January 16, 2019) - The Duke Energy Foundation presented the Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) Educational Foundation with a $25,000 check on Wednesday for improvements to the college’s MIG Welding Laboratory.
The funds were awarded as a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to the college. MIG, or Metal Inert Gas Welding, is currently one of the most highly in-demand skillsets in the Pee Dee region. The $25,000 grant from Duke Energy will allow FDTC to replace its older MIG welding machines with new machines similar to those used by regional industry employers.
“The Duke Energy Foundation is a key partner in keeping our welding program current and cutting-edge,” said Lauren Dorton, Interim Executive Director of the FDTC Educational Foundation. “We cannot express how deeply we value their support of our students.”
FDTC offers both certificate and diploma programs in several types of welding processes, including Pipe, TIG and MIG.
Welding instructor Jamie King thanked Duke Energy for its support, saying, “This grant meets a critical need for the department and our students; having access to the newest technology really gives them a leg up when they seek out jobs in the field.”
Mindy Taylor, Government and Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy, presented the check to Interim President Edward Bethea, Interim Executive Director of the FDTC Educational Foundation Lauren Dorton, Interim Welding Center Director Ross Gandy, Interim Vice President of Marketing/PR/IT Tyron Jones and Welding Instructor Jamie King.
“Investments in workforce development and training programs that help meet the challenging demands of the energy industry’s future are a critical focus for us,” said Taylor. “These improvements to the welding program will help fill the workforce needs for the region for years to come.”
For more information on the Welding program at FDTC, please contact Jamie King by emailing Jamie.King@fdtc.edu or calling 843-661-8330.
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