News Summary
Piedmont Technical College has partnered with Kia America to strengthen its Automotive Technology program through the donation of a Kia EV6 vehicle. This collaboration aims to equip students with vital skills and knowledge in the electric vehicle sector as they access specialized training modules provided by Kia. PTC emphasizes the importance of industry partnerships to prepare its students for successful careers in the evolving automotive landscape.
Greenwood, S.C. – Piedmont Technical College (PTC) has partnered with Kia America to enhance its Automotive Technology program, as announced during a recent event featuring the donation of a Kia EV6 crossover vehicle. This collaboration is designed to equip students with practical experience and knowledge in the evolving automotive industry.
The donation of the Kia EV6 signifies Kia America’s commitment to preparing skilled employees for the automotive sector. Through the partnership, PTC students will gain access to Kia America’s training modules via the company’s learning management system. This access will provide students with educational resources and practical tools essential for their training.
By completing the specialized training modules, students will potentially improve their job prospects when seeking employment with Kia America upon graduation. This educational enhancement comes at a crucial time when the automotive landscape increasingly emphasizes electric vehicles and advanced technologies.
PTC President Hope Rivers highlighted the importance of integrating partnerships with industry leaders and utilizing cutting-edge tools in training programs to enhance student readiness for the workforce. The collaboration with Kia represents the second major industry partnership for PTC, following a similar agreement established earlier with Hyundai Motor Company.
The donation event took place outside the William H. “Billy” O’Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence on PTC’s campus, showcasing the college’s commitment to fostering innovative and sustainable practices. By collaborating with leading automotive manufacturers, PTC aims to ensure its curriculum remains relevant and aligned with industry demands.
Students in the Automotive Technology program, like Dempster Phillips, expressed enthusiasm over the opportunity to work directly with the EV6, emphasizing the substantial benefits that hands-on experience brings to their education and skill development. Engaging with contemporary vehicle technologies like the EV6 prepares students for the realities of the job market, where technical knowledge and practical skills are essential for success.
Overall, this partnership with Kia America reflects a broader trend in education, where institutions strive to align their programs with industry advancements. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, colleges like PTC improve student outcomes and enhance employability in a rapidly transforming sector.
In summary, the collaboration between Piedmont Technical College and Kia America marks a significant step forward in educating future automotive technicians. As the automotive industry continues to evolve with new technologies, partnerships like this are crucial for providing students with the training and skills necessary to thrive in their careers.
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Major Automotive Manufacturer Partners with Greenwood Technical College
- Wikipedia: Automotive industry
- GoLaurens: Kia America PTC Partnership
- Google Search: Kia America partnership with colleges
- Index Journal: PTC to Announce Partnership with Kia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric vehicle
- Google Search: automotive technology training

Author: HERE Greenwood
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