Breakthrough celebrated at Tech breakfast

The revamped South Carolina Manufacturing Certification program is being unveiled at a breakfast this morning at Tri-County Technical College. Tech calls it a quick, yet comprehensive training route for individuals who seek to enhance their skills and secure full-time employment as operators in manufacturing. State funding is allowing Tech to enroll individuals in the program at no charge for tuition or materials. Eleven individuals are enrolled in Tech’s first 10-week class. One of the breakfast speakers is Mary Ann Craft, human resources manager for Oconee’s U-S Engine Valve, says graduates of the program are important to industry in building a bigger pool of job applicants. According to Craft, the program and Goodwill have helped her company find quality employees—such as Tristan Worley, an apprentice machinist.