News Summary
Midlands Technical College is experiencing an enrollment surge in construction programs, prompting expansion plans to meet demand and address workforce shortages.
Columbia, South Carolina – Midlands Technical College (MTC) is experiencing an unprecedented enrollment surge in its building and construction programs, with only 11 seats left for the fall semester. Meanwhile, the college’s welding program has already reached full capacity, prompting concerns that further demand may lead to additional waitlisting of prospective students come August.
To tackle these capacity challenges, MTC has announced plans for a significant building expansion, which is expected to take several years to complete. The expansion aims to increase classroom and workshop spaces located near the airport in West Columbia. The project is bolstered by a $16 million budget allocation from South Carolina’s 2025-26 state budget, which includes over $150 million in one-time aid for technical colleges to fund upgrades, maintenance, and building projects.
This multi-college funding initiative includes not only MTC but also Greenville Technical College (GTC), which has been allocated an additional $16 million for their respective projects. The funding is part of a broader strategy to address the shortage of skilled labor resulting from high demand in sectors such as automotive, industrial electricity, heating and cooling, welding, and construction. Over the past five years, this demand has surged, as noted by MTC’s building construction program head.
MTC has been proactive in accommodating this influx of students; enrollment caps have been raised and night classes added. For example, the number of first-year construction seats was increased from 20 to 40 in Fall 2024, and then further expanded to 80 for Spring 2025. The enhancement of enrollment numbers aligns with rising placement rates and attractive salary prospects, as graduates from these programs are often offered starting salaries exceeding $50,000.
The $91.4 million allocated for the S.C. Workforce Industry Needs (WINS) Scholarships for the upcoming school year covers full tuition for students entering these high-demand programs. This funding comprises $57.2 million raised from lottery profits and $34.2 million from the state’s general fund. The scholarship initiative reflects a recognition of the importance of trade careers, as more students pivot away from pursuing traditional four-year degrees.
MTC is actively responding to the immediate need for skilled workers, especially as many existing professionals are nearing retirement age. The college advises students awaiting spots in trade-specific classes to begin general education courses in subjects like math and English, ensuring they remain engaged in their educational pursuits while on waiting lists.
In the broader context of South Carolina’s educational landscape, both MTC and GTC rank among the largest technical colleges in the state. Currently, GTC is also advancing its initiatives, focusing on a $41 million Center for Industrial Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. This center aims to enhance skills related to both cybersecurity and artificial intelligence for individuals looking to enter the manufacturing sector.
The task before South Carolina’s technical colleges is clear: they must effectively bridge the workforce gap stemming from retiring workers while meeting the escalating demands of various industries. Additional funding has been allocated to other institutions, such as Aiken Technical College, which will receive $6.7 million, Central Carolina Technical College at $23.5 million, and Florence-Darlington Technical College with $4 million. Among notable projects is a $15 million “Technical High School Workforce Center” being established at Central Carolina Technical College.
In conclusion, Midlands Technical College is taking significant steps to address the urgent demand for trained professionals in construction and welding. With expansion plans underway and substantial state support, MTC is positioned to meet growing workforce needs while providing accessible education options to students across South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- Wikipedia: Technical college
- Cola Daily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community college
- The State
- Google Search: South Carolina technical colleges
- Goldsboro Daily News
- Google News: Welding programs enrollment
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
