Central Carolina Technical College is proud of its partnerships with local businesses and industries. It’s because of these partnerships that many students gain on-the-job experience while still attending CCTC. Ultimately, these local businesses and industries also employ many CCTC graduates.
Matthew Catoe graduated from Lugoff-Elgin High School in 2012 and immediately enrolled in Central Carolina Technical College. During his time in high school, Matthew took advantage of the Applied Technology Education Campus (ATEC), available to all Kershaw county students enrolled in tenth through twelfth grades. At ATEC, Matthew took classes in precision metal working. His interest in CCTC’s Mechatronics Program developed during an Industrial & Engineering Technology tour of the college. Following graduation from high school, he enrolled at CCTC and during his second semester interned at Coca-Cola in Bishopville, where he was offered part-time employment. Wanting to stay closer to home, he declined the offer and later interviewed at Invista in Lugoff. He was offered full-time employment. Matthew graduated from CCTC in 2014 with an Advanced Mechatronics Technology Certificate and immediately started working at Invista. His supervisors speak highly of his skills and his eagerness to learn.
Through educational and community partnerships, Matthew’s journey from high school to workforce was nearly seamless. Kershaw County Economic Development Director Peggy McLean recognizes the benefits of these partnerships, “Central Carolina Technical College’s Mechatronics program produces work-ready, eager and skilled graduates. These graduates are especially important to our local industries as they are the workforce needed by our manufacturers today and in the future.”
