Jennifer Black

This document describes the Parker Racor Quality Technician Apprenticeship Program, a two-year initiative designed to cultivate skilled quality technicians in-house. The program aims to validate robust quality practices, provide a clear career progression for the hourly workforce, and develop individuals for technician and engineering roles. Key areas of focus include comprehensive training in measurement techniques, auditing, metrology, calibration, and statistical process control, culminating in nationally recognized certifications such as the ASQ Certified Quality Inspector. The strategic intent is to enhance employee expertise, improve departmental efficiency, and bolster customer confidence in product quality.

This vision document outlines a perspective on transforming South Carolina's destiny, primarily through the critical role of its Technical College System. It highlights the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce, adapting to evolving industry needs through technology and partnerships, and providing accessible and affordable education to enhance the quality of life for citizens. The document stresses the need for strong leadership to preserve the unique mission of the system in meeting employment demands for businesses and industries across the state.

This strategic overview outlines the direction and operational framework of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, focusing on its pivotal role in South Carolina's workforce and economic development. The plan is anchored by three core components: the 16 technical colleges, the readySC™ program, and the Apprenticeship Carolina™ program. Key strategic priorities include ensuring affordability, accessibility, and relevance in education, enhancing student success, fostering robust industry partnerships, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The document details major achievements and initiatives across leadership, advocacy, academic and educational programs, workforce development, economic development, information technology, and fiscal management, with a forward-looking perspective extending into the 2025-26 school year.

The meeting includes reports from the Economic Development and Training Committee, the Fiscal, Audit, and Personnel Committee, and the Instruction and Student Services Committee. Key discussion topics include project budgets, capital projects at various technical colleges (Horry-Georgetown, Midlands, Spartanburg, Tri-County, and Trident), SCWINS program eligibility, annual tuition and fee recommendations, and financial summaries. Legislative updates, reports from the SC Association of Technical College Commissioners and the Council of Technical College Presidents will also be presented. The agenda also includes the review and approval of meeting minutes from previous meetings.

The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education meeting covered various key areas. Committee reports included discussions on readySC™ project budgets, requiring an executive session for projects over $200,000. The Fiscal, Audit, and Personnel Committee addressed annual tuition and fee recommendations, proposing to maintain the current range for the 2024-2025 academic year. They also approved Spartanburg Community College's request to proceed with Phase I of proposed property acquisitions and a capital project for nursing building relocation and expansion. A legislative update was provided, outlining budget allocations and upcoming meetings. The Executive Director's report included updates on various events, meetings, and leadership development initiatives. Finally, the board approved the Committee of the Whole recommendations.