Greenville, S.C. – September 11, 2026 -- Greenville Technical College reports a 94% graduate placement rate as Upstate, South Carolina employers in health care, advanced manufacturing, aviation and technology compete for skilled workers during national Workforce Development Month.
Graduates feed talent pipelines at BMW, Michelin and Lockheed Martin
Greenville Tech graduates are employed across the region's largest employers, including BMW, Michelin, Lockheed Martin, Bon Secours Mercy Health and Prisma Health. Dr. Candice Lewis, chief academic officer, said the college's academic programs, workforce certificates and customized training are designed to align directly with employer needs, producing students who are either employed in-field or continuing their education upon graduation.
Internship conversion rates hit five-year high nationally
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers converted 63.1% of interns into full-time hires in the 2024-25 cycle, the highest rate in five years. Forbes research cited in the announcement found internship experience doubles the odds a student secures a job before graduating. Greenville Tech leverages this trend through apprenticeships, clinical placements and internships embedded in its industry partnerships.
BMW Scholars Program converts student into full-time hire
Greenville Tech graduate Carver Blassingame worked at BMW for two years as a student through the BMW Scholars Program before moving directly into a full-time position after graduation. He is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology to qualify for managerial roles, illustrating the college's stated pathway from classroom to career advancement.
New welding center targets manufacturing skills gap with AI lab
The college's recently opened Center for Welding and Automation Excellence (CWAE) is expanding capacity for training in welding, automation and robotics. Luke Hardaway, director of human resources at Vermeer MV Solutions, described CWAE as the largest and most advanced welding facility in the Southeast and the country's only facility with an AI-powered welding lab, positioning it to support growing advanced manufacturing demand for companies including Vermeer. The center will also serve as a continuing education hub for experienced workers seeking to upgrade their skills.
College serves as economic development lever for the region
Dr. Kelvin Byrd, chief economic development officer, said the college's partnerships with local businesses expose students to workplace environments and emerging technologies while building industry connections. Greenville Tech enrolls more than 21,000 students annually across nearly 100 academic programs.