THOMASVILLE, AL,
May 2, 2011
(Press Release) -
The National Center for Pulp and Paper Technology Training announced that TriCounty Technical College (TCTC), Pendleton, SC, joined The National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training (NPT2). The Network is a national partnership of community colleges and industry representatives that arms students with the training and experience necessary to meet the increasing demand for advanced technology workers in the pulp, paper, and allied industry.
"We are very excited to add TriCounty Technical College to our network of community colleges offering Pulp and Paper technology training across the country," said T.J. Murphy, Executive Director of The National Center for Pulp and Paper Technology Training. "TCTC has an excellent reputation for providing world-class training programs and services for business and industry". "TriCounty Technical College's partnership with NPT2 will strengthen our existing technical programs and prepare students for the high-skill, high-pay jobs of pulp and paper industry in South Carolina," said Eugene Grant, Dean, Industrial & Engineering at TCTC. "We plan to use the national curriculum developed by NPT2 and the multi-craft instructional approach the Center advocates. In addition, our local industry partner, First Quality, will assist in the recruitment of workers".
In 2010, Anderson, SC, was selected as the site for First Quality Tissue's manufacturing facility. Initial plans for the Anderson County facility call for two state-of-the-art Thru-Air-Dried (TAD) machines being installed consecutively, doubling First Quality's current capacity. The company is anticipating having the first machine operational in the 3rd Quarter of 2011 and the second machine on-line by 3rd Quarter 2012
Established in 1962, TriCounty Technical College has a 91 acre campus in Pendleton, South Carolina. With campuses in Pendleton, Anderson, Oconee, and Easley, TCTC offers over 70 degree, diploma, and certificates programs. TCTC's World Class Training Center, established in 1990, includes an impressive list of members and clients, including Champion Aerospace, Duke Energy, Honeywell, and U.S. Engine Value.
The National Network for Pulp & Paper Technology Training (NPT2) was created to provide the pulp and paper sector of the US forest products industry with a Technologically Advanced Workforce (TAW) by offering exciting and effective education and training. The National Network is an alliance of community colleges, universities, industry partners and the National Science Foundation offering a proven program for recruiting, training, placing, and retaining future pulp and paper workers by providing technical curriculum, continuing education, scholarships and internships. The National Network for Pulp & Paper Technology Training's scholarships-internships-jobs model succeeds because its partnerships address the complete cycle of worker training and development, from recruitment of new students to retention of existing workers.
The National Network is a part of the TAW platform supported as an important technology platform by the American Forest and Paper Association's special project group, Agenda 2020, and TAPPI.
For more information about the partnership, contact T.J. Murphy, Executive Director, NPT2, tmurphy@ascc.edu , (334) 637.3193 or Eugene Grant, Dean, TCTC, egrant@tctc.edu
