CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – Horry-Georgetown Technical College is celebrating two new programs training future skilled workers for different types of engines.
Horry-Georgetown Tech held an open house Wednesday for the diesel engineering and outboard marine technology programs. They began last semester because HGTC says there’s a shortage of skilled mechanics in the region. Students in both programs are certified in their fields after completing their courses.
Yamaha, which has partnered with HGTC’s outboard marine tech program, and other prospective employers were also able to meet with students.
“When they exit a program like this, they should be able to do basic services: oil filters, water pumps, spark plugs,” said Mark Harden of Yamaha Marine Group. “They should know how to do things like leak down and compression tests, maybe belt timing. Those type of things.”
“I do eventually hope to be in a higher role in the mechanics industry, maybe a master technician with a local company,” said HGTC diesel engineering student Hunter Chalmers.
“I would love and I’m looking forward to being just a leader in this marine industry, especially right here in South Carolina,” said HGTC outboard marine technology student Luke Rogers.
Yamaha says three HGTC students are already working for the company part-time and taking classes in the outboard marine tech program’s first semester.
