Charleston, SC – June 17, 2025 – Trident Technical College (TTC) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $350,000 grant from Apprenticeship Carolina at the SC Technical College System Office through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) Grant. This funding will support the continued growth and development of both youth and adult apprenticeship programs across a wide range of high-demand industries.
“Trident Technical College continues to be a leader in expanding access to high-quality apprenticeship opportunities across South Carolina,” said Vice President of Apprenticeship Carolina Amanda Richardson. “This SAEF grant investment reflects our shared commitment to building a resilient workforce by connecting students with in-demand careers and supporting employers with the talent they need to thrive.”
The grant, which runs through June 2027, will provide critical financial support for course-related expenses and supportive service stipends, helping to remove barriers for students pursuing hands-on, career-focused education. TTC’s sector-based approach to apprenticeship development ensures that students are prepared for employment across multiple businesses within key industries, including:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Construction
- Transportation and Warehousing
- Finance and Insurance
- Educational Services
- Professional and Technical Services
- Hospitality and Culinary Arts
- Government and Public Administration
“This funding will allow us to continue building a strong, skilled workforce in the Lowcountry by supporting students in more than 20 apprenticeship pathways,” said Assistant Vice President of Community Partnerships at TTC Melissa Stowasser. “We’re especially excited about the flexibility this grant provides, enabling us to support both youth and adult apprentices based on individual need.”
TTC’s apprenticeship programs have a long-standing history of success, beginning with adult apprenticeships in 1976 and expanding to youth apprenticeships in 2014. Today, the college supports over 275 youth apprentices and more than 100 adult apprentices annually, working with dozens of employer partners across the region.
The SAEF grant will help TTC continue to meet the growing demand for skilled workers while providing students with valuable, real-world experience and a pathway to sustainable careers.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities at Trident Technical College, visit www.tridenttech.edu.
Youth apprentices from Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties celebrated the 11th annual Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeships (CRYA) Signing Day on July 30, 2024, at Trident Technical College’s Thornley Campus in North Charleston. The event marked a milestone for 130 high school students who officially signed with 58 local employers across 16 career pathways, launching their journey into paid, hands-on work experience and college-level education. Trident Tech has been awarded a $350,000 grant from Apprenticeship Carolina at the SC Technical College System Office through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) Grant. This funding will support the continued growth and development of both youth and adult apprenticeship programs across a wide range of high-demand industries.