The Greenville Tech Foundation has received a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to provide welding kits for students training at Greenville Technical College's new Center for Welding and Automation Excellence (CWAE). The investment will help ensure students have access to the tools needed for hands-on instruction as they prepare for careers in welding and advanced manufacturing.
Scheduled to open in Fall 2026, the Center for Welding and Automation Excellence will expand training opportunities in welding and automation technologies. The 44,000-square-foot facility will feature state-of-the-art training environments designed to meet the growing demand for skilled workers across South Carolina and the Southeast.
“We are grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in the success of our students and the future workforce of our region,” said Terrance Shearn, department head of the Welding Department at Greenville Technical College. “By providing welding kits for students at the Center for Welding and Automation Excellence, this grant helps remove financial barriers and ensures students have the tools they need to fully engage in hands-on training from day one. Partnerships like this strengthen opportunities for students while supporting the talent needs of South Carolina's growing manufacturing industry.”
“As Duke Energy prepares responds to the unprecedented growth and economic success happening in the communities we serve, the need for skilled workers in fields like welding will be a critical need as companies like ours build out the energy grid of the future,” said Linda Hannon, director of government and community relations at Duke Energy. “By helping students gain access to the tools and training they need, we’re creating pathways to good-paying careers, strengthening the local workforce and supporting long-term economic growth. This investment reflects our commitment to building stronger communities and expanding opportunity for the next generation.”
The welding kits will provide students with the equipment needed for coursework and lab-based training. Access to these tools will allow students to fully participate in hands-on learning experiences from the start of their program, helping them build confidence and develop the technical skills employers value.
As manufacturers across the region continue to seek qualified workers, investments like this one from the Duke Energy Foundation play an important role in strengthening the talent pipeline. By helping students access the equipment needed for training, the grant supports both student success and the workforce needs of local employers.
The Greenville Tech Foundation works to expand educational opportunities and remove obstacles that can prevent Greenville Technical College students from achieving their educational and career goals. Through partnerships with donors, foundations, and community organizations, the Foundation invests in scholarships, student support services, and innovative programs that strengthen both student success and workforce development.