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Office of Public Relations
101
Blatt Hall
Denmark Technical College
1126 Solomon Blatt Ave.
P.O. Box 327
Denmark, SC 29042
General Contact::
Ashley Elliot
Public Information Coordinator
elliotta@denmarktech.edu
(O) 803-793-5147
(F) 803 793-5942
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Denmark Tech Spotlights Emerging Technology Department
The robotic arm rose up and swung around, then dipped down to clasp a part. A sensor registered the part, determined that it was not placed properly and sent a message to the arm to make an adjustment. The part then rode a conveyor belt where another sensor judged whether it was plastic or metal, guiding it down the “metal” shoot.
Each of the machines worked in a ballet of movements so that the process was smooth and choreographed.
This assembly line, funded by a NASA grant, is not in a major manufacturing plant, although it could be. In fact, the entire setup fits on a table the size of a business desk. The equipment, a miniature of a manufacturing line, is in one of several technology labs at Denmark Technical College in Denmark.
The labs were spotlighted in a tour for local business, manufacturing, economic development and workforce leaders at a luncheon and tour held by the college. “This is a celebration of our renewed commitment,” said Leon Harden, chairman of the DTC Area Commission. “We stand ready to support your workforce needs.”
That sentiment was reinforced by Carolyn McGay, vice president for academic affairs. “We are here to serve the business and service industries in Barnwell, Bamberg and Allendale counties. We want your business to be productive and profitable.”
In recent years, Denmark Tech has revamped and upgraded its technology labs, installing computerized equipment to teach area students skills in electronics, robotics, computers, programming, controls, and other related fields. They have also partnered with companies and organizations to match personnel needs with courses. The staff is hoping to support existing businesses. They are also looking into the future to get area residents ready for new industry such as Jafza, a Dubai company that is expected to hire 5,000 workers at its Orangeburg facility over the next decade, and support industries it will draw.
“Everything we do is about partnerships,” said Stephen Mason, dean of continuing education at DTC who is a pivotal player in the process. “We want to be where you are at.”
The event was a showcase of the courses and offerings now available at the college, not only to individual students, but also to business and industry looking to increase the skill levels of their employees. The courses can be offered either on the Bamberg County campus or at company worksites.
“We go through a 3-D process,” said Russ Darnell, executive director of ReadySC, which helps in the development of the courses.. “The first is Discovery – what skills are needed? Then there is Design – developing a program to provide the methodology to get that training. Finally, there is Delivery of that training – the college plays a big part in that.”
Companies such as Festo Learning Systems and Carolina Training Association are working with the college to provide the high-tech skills that are needed in the real world. “We help schools provide that education,”said Tony Dran of Festo. “Their goals and objectives parallel our goals and objectives.” He said they have been working with DTC for 16 years but the commitment to larger manufacturing has been intense in the last three years.
The college is already working with industries such as Allied Air Enterprises in Blackville and Jim Kiker, a training engineer, is a cheerleader for Denmark Tech’s “aggressive” program. “This organization has turned the corner to be the cutting edge of technology. You need to partner up,” said Kiker. He said his company’s partnership with Denmark Tech has been longstanding but “very intense” in the last 18 months. “They have jumped through hoops to help us.”
The leadership at Denmark Tech used the event in hopes that other businesses will also “partner up” with the college to provide advanced mechanical and technology skills to area students and employees. “We are very serious about our mission, said Dr. John K. Waddell, president of DTC. “Whatever you need, call on Denmark Tech. We want to partner with you.”
Businesses, industries or individuals who are interested in courses and the continuing education programs are directed to contact Stephen Mason at (803) 793-5155. For those who did not attend last week’s event, another one is scheduled for Sept. 17.
Permission to republish by The People Sentinel
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