In the heart of Georgetown County, a seismic shift is underway, poised to ripple through South Carolina’s marine industry. State officials and higher education leaders have joined forces to cement the region’s significance in the maritime sector, and they’re starting with a bang—a new marine technology training building at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC). This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about forging a future where students are the captains of their own destinies, and the state’s marine industry is the wind in their sails.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the 25,000-square-foot building at HGTC’s Georgetown campus was more than just a formality. It was a declaration of intent, a promise to nurture the next generation of marine professionals. The campus, dubbed the Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina, will be a first-of-its-kind hub, housing both the existing outboard marine technology program and a brand-new boat building technology program.
Robert Hucks, the HGTC Area Commission vice chairman, didn’t mince words. “We’re building something truly special,” he declared, his voice echoing the collective excitement. “This campus will provide students with hands-on training, preparing them for success in an industry that’s vital to our state’s economy.”
And the numbers back him up. Boating alone is a $6.5 billion industry in South Carolina, supporting over 27,000 jobs. With five boat manufacturers already calling Dorchester County home, the demand for skilled workers is palpable. Hucks believes the new campus will be a game-changer, benefiting students and the state’s marine industry alike.
HGTC President Marilyn Murphy Fore echoed this sentiment, highlighting the immediate impact. Previously, the college had to cap the outboard marine technology program at 24 students annually. With the new campus, they can double that number, providing more students with the skills to design, construct, maintain, and repair outboard motors.
The new boat building technology program is equally promising, focusing on foundational skills like composite construction and structural reinforcements. It’s not just about building boats; it’s about building careers and a stronger coastal economy.
State representatives, including U.S. Rep. Russell Fry and Rep. Carl L. Anderson, were quick to praise the initiative. Anderson, in particular, emphasized the importance of a skilled, modern workforce for the state’s blue economy. “This industry depends on it,” he said, his voice steady and sure.
State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch went a step further, hinting at the potential for a boat manufacturer to set up shop in Georgetown County. He pledged to work towards making this a reality, further entrenching the area’s involvement in the marine industry.
The Yamaha Motor Corporation, HGTC’s flagship partner, has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and donating products worth roughly $500,000. Their involvement ensures that the skills taught align with industry needs, providing students with a direct path to employment.
Fry summed it up best. “The Marine Technology Institute will position this region as an integral leader in training the next generation of marine engineers and technicians,” he said, his voice brimming with excitement. “It’s a very exciting time.”
But this isn’t just about the here and now. This development is a clarion call, challenging the norms of traditional education and industry partnerships. It’s a spark, igniting a debate on how we can better prepare our students for the future. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, of public and private sectors coming together to drive change.
So, buckle up, maritime industry. The winds of change are blowing, and they’re blowing from Georgetown County. The question is, are we ready to hoist our sails and ride the wave? Or will we be left behind, watching as the future sails past us? The choice is ours to make. And make no mistake, the time to act is now.