School of Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades
Ready to take the next step?
Manufacture your own skills.
Are you interested in technology? Do you prefer hands-on instruction? MTC's School of Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades offers many career options, from the automotive industry to graphic design production, machine tooling, welding technology, and many other skilled trades courses. This is more than a trade school. Our programs prepare you for great careers in two years or less with individual training courses and academic transfer programs.
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Automotive Technology
Automotive professionals work in shops and garages and are skilled in the building and repairing of engines.
Automotive Technician
Whether you’re planning to enter the field as an automotive technician or would like to advance your career with certifications in specialty areas, MTC has the path that’s right for you. MTC provides up-to-date training in both automotive theory and operational skills, supported by intensive classroom and hands-on lab training utilizing state-of-the-art tools for diagnostics and repair.
Automotive Brake, Suspension, and Steering Repair
Students receive hands-on training on each phase of brake service, suspension, and steering repair while preparing to become certified in Brakes and Steering and Suspension by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.).
Automotive Drive Train Repair
Students develop up-to-date knowledge on drive train repair while preparing to become certified in Automatic Transmission/Transaxle and Manual Drive Train by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.).
Automotive Electrical Systems Repair
Automotive students complete an up-to-date training program that prepares them to become certified in Electrical Systems by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.)
Automotive Engine Performance
Students develop knowledge of engine performance while preparing to become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.).
Automotive Engine Repair
Students will be prepared to become certified in Engine Repair through an up-to-date training program that will develop their knowledge of automotive engine repair through hands-on training.
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Repair
Students receive hands-on training in repairs while preparing to become certified in Heating and Air Conditioning Systems by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.).
Commercial Driver's License
Commercial truck drivers transport goods and materials locally and across the country. A CDL (Class A Commercial Driver’s License) is required for many jobs in this field.
Commercial Driver
Five weeks to fast wages! This course will prepare students to sit for the CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) exam and go to work as a truck driver. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a total weight exceeding 26,000 pounds for the vehicle, passengers, and cargo. These drivers deliver goods over inter-city routes that sometimes span several states.
Commercial Graphics
Commercial graphics technicians work in highly technical industries, designing and producing various types of printed materials.
Commercial Graphics
At the completion of this program, students will have the skills to begin a career in a number of different graphic-production industries including screen printing, offset lithographic production, and vehicle wrapping. These skills can be showcased on a variety of substrates such as t-shirts, banners, car wraps, and paper.
Construction
Construction managers plan, financially monitor, and supervise projects and personnel on various construction sites.
Building Construction
This program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities for the construction industry in South Carolina including homebuilders, superintendents, job site personnel, building inspectors, and contractors. Training is based on a set of detailed skills standards from the nation's leaders in the construction industry. Students are encouraged to become a professional in the construction industry. Students learn to build with a "zero-defect" construction philosophy. This means that a commitment to flawless workmanship and unparalleled quality is the heart of all training activities. Students will experience training in print reading, layout, frame assembly, door and window installation, estimating, scheduling, and other job site duties.
Carpentry
The Carpentry-Qualified Framer certificate is designed to train the next generation of skilled workers needed in the construction industry by enabling the student to learn a specialized carpentry sub-craft. This certificate can provide multiple avenues to enter the construction industry without a degree in building construction technology. Students will experience training in print reading, layout frame assembly, door and windows installation, estimating, scheduling, and other job site duties.
Electrical and Electronics
Individuals in the electrical field test, troubleshoot, install, and repair electrical components. Electricians specialize in either residential or commercial electricity.
Basic Electrical Wiring
The Basic Electrical Wiring Certificate provides fundamental knowledge of electrical wiring and AC and DC circuits. Students become familiar with electrical codes, ordinances, print reading, and electricity fundamentals. Courses taken in this program may be applied toward the Diploma in Industrial Electricity if students elect to pursue this program.
Industrial Electricity
Graduates of this program are ready for positions with local electrical contractors, industrial plants, hospitals, power companies, government agencies, and other related businesses. These programs emphasize theory and hands-on training in residential and commercial electrical wiring and troubleshooting; various residential, commercial, and industrial applications; PLC programming and troubleshooting; and renewable energy applications like solar electricity.
What's the difference?
Only academic programs provide college credit, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and are eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA). Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months. These are not eligible for federal financial aid, but they may qualify for other scholarships and grant funding.
Renewable Energy Technician
The Renewable Energy Technician Certificate provides fundamental knowledge of electrical wiring, particularly as it applies to the growing field of alternative energy. Students are also given hands-on training in both roof-mount and ground-mount solar panel installation, energy storage installation and management and other alternative energy options. Students become familiar with electrical codes, ordinances, print reading, and electricity fundamentals. Courses taken in this program may be applied toward the Diploma in Industrial Electricity if students later elect to pursue this program.
Forklift Operator
Forklift operators drive industrial trucks that transport materials in warehouses and on job sites. Forklift operators can be trained in as little as one day.
Forklift Operator
In just one day, students will be trained to operate a forklift and receive a three-year certificate in forklift safety, preventative maintenance, and driving/operation skills. As a trained forklift operator, graduates can start earning up to $15 an hour. This course will also prepare you to work as a material handler or warehouse operator at any number of manufacturing, supply, or logistic companies. Safety requirements prohibit open-toe, cloth, and high heeled shoes. Students must be 18 years of age in order to operate a forklift.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy Equipment Operators operate and maintain motorized heavy equipment to complete transportation and public works maintenance, work as part of a team in new construction projects, and work in other fields such as mining and forestry. Operators use a variety of equipment including bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, and loaders.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Comprehensive
Combining all four types of heavy equipment, including the dozer, excavator, backhoe loader, and motor grader, the comprehensive heavy equipment operator program will train students using a state-of-the-art Caterpillar simulator to enter the workforce knowing how machinery operates, safety procedures, and how to perform certain maneuvers.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction
Want to help build a warehouse or home? The construction pathway will lay a foundation for students to understand what skills and maneuvers are standard on a dover and excavator when helping build one’s future.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Transportation and Public Works
Communities need successful infrastructure and public works in order thrive. This program pathway will teach students about the different types of environments and situations they may be exposed to when using a backhoe loader and motor grader.
HVAC/R
Heating and air conditioning systems, as well as refrigeration and ventilation systems need HVAC mechanics and installers to repair and install air quality devices for homes and buildings.
Entry Level HVAC Technician
Heating and air conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in homes, businesses, and other buildings. By providing a climate-controlled environment, refrigeration systems make it possible to store and transport food, medicine, and other perishable items.
When installing or repairing air conditioning and refrigeration systems, technicians must follow government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants. The regulations include those concerning the proper handling and disposal of fluids and pressurized gases.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Technicians from this program are prepared for careers in residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating equipment installation and maintenance. These programs offer hands-on training as well as classroom instruction, preparing the student for any HVAC career.
Mechatronics
Advanced automated manufacturing requires skilled maintenance and repair professionals. This program focuses on the engineering of electrical, mechanical, and computer systems to solve technical problems and maintain automated equipment.
Mechatronics
Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics programs at MTC offer excellent educational opportunities for people who desire hands-on careers, enjoy troubleshooting, and are technically inclined. The programs include classroom and hands-on instruction in electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and PLC technology.
What's the difference?
Only academic programs provide college credit, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and are eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA). Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months. These are not eligible for federal financial aid, but they may qualify for other scholarships and grant funding.
Plumbing
Plumbers install, troubleshoot, and repair water, wastewater, and gas piping and fixtures in residential and commercial settings.
Entry Level Plumber
In about 6 months, students will gain the skills of a beginner plumber, helping plumbers install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems. This program was designed in cooperation with local residential and commercial plumbers to ensure the training covered meets industry needs.
Propane and Natural Gas Installer
Students will learn piping, design, regulations, and ventilation for a variety of systems that use natural gas or propane in a safe and efficient manner. Following course completion, students will be able to earn a certificate from the Propane Education & Resource Council.
Precision Machining
Machined parts have to be made – and a CNC operator works to program, set up, and operate computer numerical control machines while also maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
If you are interested in computers, working with your hands, and are mechanically inclined, you could earn up to $30 an hour as a CNC operator. Basic CNC programming and applications-based training on actual CNC machines are blended together in this certificate. Complete this program in as few as ten months and bring your skills to one of many organizations that rely on CNC Mill and CNC Lathe work for production.
Machine Tool
Skilled machinists are required in every facet of manufacturing. Begin a career in the rapidly advancing manufacturing industry with this course of study in machine tooling. This hands-on experience combines classroom and shop instruction where students will learn to fabricate various materials into intricate, precise, usable parts using both manual and CNC machining.
Production
Those that work in production transform raw materials using labor, machines, and tools into products for use or sale. Such goods may be sold to other manufacturers for the production of more complex products.
Production Technician
In eight to ten weeks, this program will give you the core technical competencies of entry-level production workers in all sectors of manufacturing.
ManuFirst SC
ManuFirst SC is a state-recognized manufacturing certification designed to provide a foundation for South Carolinians needing entry-level skills for manufacturing employment.
Welding
Welding is used in the shipping, automotive manufacturing and repair, and aerospace industries. Welders join metal parts through melting and fusing them into a permanent bond.
Welding and Cutting Fundamentals
This 3-semester Certificate provides students with the core skills necessary to become a professional welder. The techniques and competencies developed in this certificate are foundational in starting a welding career. This certificate awards college credit and can be stacked with the Welding Qualifications Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology.
Welding Qualifications
This 3-semester certificate builds upon the skills developed in the Welding Fundamentals Certificate. It is designed to prepare students for a career as a professional welder. Students will learn advanced processes and techniques while honing their skills. This certificate awards college credit and can be stacked with the Welding Fundamentals Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology.
Welding Technology
The first college degree in welding available in the state of South Carolina, the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology is a 6-semester program that combines the Welding Fundamentals and Qualifications Certificates. This Academic Welding Degree Program is an in-depth training program delivered by a staff of professional welders and AWS Certified Welding Educators and Inspectors. Welders who also hold an Associate degree are more qualified to advance into higher roles within the industry.
Comprehensive Welder
The Comprehensive Welder Certificate is the culmination of the individual Stick, MIG/Flux Cored, and TIG Welding certificates and prepares the individual to work for a wide range of companies in the manufacturing and construction fields.
MIG and Flux Cored Welder
The MIG and Flux Cored Welder Certificate focuses on the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes. In two, 8-week courses you will learn how to use both processes to weld in all positions.
Stick Welder
The Stick Welder Certificate focuses on the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process. In three, 8-week courses you will learn how to fillet, groove, and pipe weld in all positions.
TIG Welder
The TIG Welder Certificate focuses on the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. In two, 8-week courses you will learn how to fillet and groove weld flat plate in all positions as well as pipe weld in the 6G position.
Advanced Welder
The 9-week Advanced Welder Program, for Comprehensive Welder Certificate graduates or working welders, specializes in advanced pipe welding. Flexible tracks (morning, afternoon, evening) prepare students for manufacturing and construction roles.
Small Engine Repair
Gain a working knowledge of types and operation of small engines, engine service, and repair of outdoor power equipment.
Small Engine Repair
In about six weeks, students can have a working knowledge of types and operation of small engines, engine service, and repair of outdoor power equipment. Work for yourself or for a small business repairing gas trimmers, chainsaws, push and riding mowers. Small engine repair professionals can earn over $20 an hour with experience.