Horry Georgetown Technical College held a dedication ceremony for a new facility. Educators said building “300” houses engineering, computer science, construction and sports turf management programs. Local leaders said the new programs at HGTC will prepare students for the local job market.
Horry Georgetown Technical College students said they came to the college to gain hands-on experience.
“I’m learning to design roads and the theories and applications of the components that go into the roads such as concrete and asphalt” said Ben Shifrin, Civil Engineering student.
HGTC staff hope that the hands on experience and the construction and technology skills learned at the school will help prepare students for construction and engineering jobs in the local workforce. Students are also taught about the soils and plants used on athletic fields. HGTC recently expanded it’s Golf Turf management program in response to the areas growing interest in sports tourism.
“We have a wonderful partnership with the Pelicans baseball team and Coastal Carolina University that allows our students to get hands-on experience about the equipment and the specialized equipment” said Ashley Wilkinson, Golf and Sport Turf Management instructor.
With new sports facilities planned for Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, educators hope students gain the skills needed to build or manage local facilities.
“The conditions of the grass will determine how the ball leaves the infield, how the turf cleats are held” Ashley Wilkinson.
HGTC students hope the skills learned at the technical college help them to build a good foundation for their future careers.
Educators at HGTC have worked closely with Myrtle Beach city leaders and the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation to identify ways to train residents for the types of jobs coming to the area which includes careers in manufacturing, aerospace technology, culinary arts and most recently sports tourism.