Demolition officially begins for Schaeffler Manufacturing Technology Academy at NETC Cheraw campus

People said Lib Norton witnessed the first bricks laid creating Northeastern Technical College 54 years ago and remains excited the school continues its mission, with a few less bricks.

Demolition of Buildings 400, 600, and 700, is expected to begin this fall creating space for the new Schaeffler Manufacturing Technology Academy at the Cheraw campus.

"Throughout the years, I have watched the progress of the college; the dedication of many employees and the change in the lives of many, many students through, good paying jobs, the college's community involvement, serving others, and making our communities a better place to live," said Elizabeth "Lib" Norton, NETC President's Office Administrator, who has been working for the college since its inception in 1969.

NETC, Chesterfield County, and Schaeffler officials marked the beginning of the removal of Buildings 400, 600, and 700, during a Sept. 26 demolition ceremony with sledgehammers on hand.

After demolition is completed, construction begins on the Schaeffler Manufacturing Technology Academy, a 27,500 square foot state-of-the-art hands-on training facility for machinery used by the local industry, said NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner.

"The Schaeffler Manufacturing Technology Academy will have a special area dedicated to advanced programs, building upon a 35-year partnership and apprenticeship program with NETC and Schaeffler. This program helps students succeed and provides them with well-paying jobs that support their families and maintains Schaeffler being on the cutting edge of their industry," he said.

Programs slated for the Schaeffler Manufacturing Technology Academy include electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, production operator, machine tool, and CNC operator.

During the project, Schaeffler students continue taking classes as normal on the Cheraw campus in the 300, 500, and 800 buildings.

Funding for the project comes from $3.5 million from a cancelled construction project, $4 million allocated from the state budget and a $1 million Schaeffler donation along with $200,000 investment from Chesterfield County, said Dan Bozard, NETC Area Commission Chair.

"The road from poverty to prosperity runs through this schoolhouse," he said.

NETC and Schaeffler's apprenticeship program has produced over 230 graduates and has a boasts a high retention rate with many graduates still working for the company years later.

More than 50 students are enrolled in the Schaeffler program in the Fall 2023 semester.

NETC students who enter the Schaeffler Apprenticeship Program are hired as regular, full-time employees by Schaeffler and enjoy the same excellent benefits offered to other Schaeffler employees including wages, vacation, and health care coverage.

Apprentices are enrolled as full-time students at NETC where they work to earn an associate degree in Machine Tool Technology with all college expenses being paid by Schaeffler (books, tuition, and supplies).

The program is 3½ years in length (7,000 hours).

Apprentices sign a formal Apprenticeship Agreement with Schaeffler where students agree to stay with the company for at least 2 years after the program's completion. This adds up to a total commitment of 5½ years.

The education portion of the program follows NETC's requirements for the Associate's Degree in Industrial Technology in Machine Tool Technology (with some additional courses selected by Schaeffler). Students attend classes at the college 40 hours per week in the first 6 months and 10-12 hours per week for the next 2 ½ years.

Apprentices are required to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average in their course work.

The on-job-training segment of the program includes in-depth exposure to every facet of Schaeffler's manufacturing and/or tooling support operations along with practical training in the skills required for metalworking trades.

Upon completion of the program, students graduate with an associate degree in Machine Tool Technology and a Journeyman's License from the U.S. Department of Labor.

For more information, visit online at www.netc.edu.

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