DENMARK – President Leonard A. McIntyre hosted representatives from Boeing South Carolina (BSC) on the campus of Denmark Technical College (DTC) on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. The high level meeting between the BSC delegation and the DTC leadership team headed by the president, concluded with an extended tour of the campus including Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Welding, and Continuing Education and Workforce Development facilities.
The Boeing delegation was comprised of Tommy Preston, Jr., Director of National Strategy and Engagement, Frank Hatten, Education Relations Specialist of Strategy and Integration, Kelley Halliwell, a representative from Global Corporate Citizenship, and Mark Elam, Director of National Strategy and Engagement. Also on the visit were Mr. Robert Crenshaw, Ready SC Area Director for the South Carolina Technical College System, and Joni McDaniel, Regional Workforce Advisor from the S.C. Department of Commerce. The visit facilitated by Joni McDaniel was a part of BSC’s visit to local high schools and colleges in our service area.
During the meeting, President McIntyre provided a quick overview of the College’s mission, course offerings, and the many great opportunities for partnership. “Denmark Tech is always striving to fulfill its mission to either provide students with employable skills for immediate entry into the workforce, or transfer to a four year college,” stated President McIntyre. DTC faculty and administrators presented a synopsis of their programs and answered questions. Topics discussed included mechatronics, cybersecurity, STEM education, and high school outreach programs.
Preston spoke about Boeing’s outreach activities and strategic employment opportunities to hire South Carolinians. “Our philosophy is building genuine partnerships with the community through outreach and service to the entire state.” Furthermore, Preston expressed Boeing SC’s interest in partnering with technical colleges in South Carolina on projects that are mutually beneficial to both parties. Mr. Preston asked, “Why is Boeing here to visit with Denmark Technical College? Because we know that good things can come out of small places. All of the types of employees Boeing is searching for can be prepared at DTC.”
Mr. Stephen Mason, Associate Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development chimed in, “DTC is small, but we do more than on-campus training. By utilizing our fully equipped mobile training unit, we are able to visit remote locations to do on-site workforce development training in the type of jobs that companies like Boeing need, such as Aerospace production or Quality technicians.“
In closing, President McIntyre emphasized the importance of technical colleges in preparing a skilled and knowledge-based workforce. “We would love to create a mutually beneficial partnership with a career pathway from middle school to Boeing because these are jobs of the future. They are excellent, high paying jobs with sustainable wages,” Dr. McIntyre added, as he expressed his excitement over a potential partnership with Boeing SC.
The Boeing team visiting the campus led by Dr. Leonard A. McIntyre and Kelley Halliwell (BSC) followed by Frank Hatten speaking with Joni McDaniel.
Left to right – Dr. Ambrish Lavania, Tommy Preston, Jr. and Joni McDaniel visit the Electromechanical Engineering lab at DTC.
Left to right Boeing representative Frank Hatten, Dr. McIntyre, Kelley Halliwell (BSC), Mark Elam (BSC) and Dr. Drammeh, visit with Benjamin Hilliard, instructor for the Welding department at DTC.
