TCTC Anderson campus breaks ground on $31 million program expansion

Tri-County Technical College has begun construction at the Anderson campus to expand workforce development programs.

TCTC said the $31 million investment is intended to be a hub for programs in power line worker, heavy equipment operator, commercial truck driving, forklift operations and safety, certified logistics technician, mechatronics technology, automotive technology, and heavy-duty diesel technology. The college will offer credit programs and non-credit certifications.

“As an Anderson County resident, today’s announcement is particularly exciting for me,” Hamid Mohsseni, chair of the TCTC Commission, said in a news release. “This expansion will provide greater access to high-quality programs and resources, helping students gain the skills they need to succeed and strengthening the economic vitality of our region. We are proud of the partnerships that made this possible and grateful for the community’s support. Together, we are building opportunities that will benefit generations to come.”

Funding for the 13,000-square-foot academic space came from college-accumulated finances, state capital reserve appropriations and a federal equipment grant, as well as donations from the TCTC Foundation.

Construction is expected to be complete at the end of 2027, 20 years after the original 42,000-square-foot Anderson campus was finished.

“One of the most unique features of this campus is our strong collaboration with the Anderson Institute of Technology, which serves Anderson School Districts 3, 4 and 5. Located adjacent to our campus, the AIT offers programs that transition seamlessly into degree pathways at Tri-County, creating a clear bridge from high school to college and career,” TCTC President Galen DeHay said in the release. “For nearly two decades, this campus has served our students and community. But as our region’s workforce needs continue to grow, so must we.”

The new space in the expansion will house the mechatronics program which enrolls 350 students in Pendleton, Anderson and Oconee. According to TCTC, outdoor lab space and program compacity for multiple offerings will be expanded.

Tuition aid will be offered for the programs through Lottery Tuition Assistance and SC WINS, which also offers CDL, PWL and HEO certificate programs free to South Carolina students. TCTC said SC Nexus will also offer alternative scholarship opportunities as well as $200,000 allotted from the South Carolina Technical College System.

“Today’s expansion represents an investment in people, jobs and the future of Anderson County,” Sen. Mike Gambrell said in the release. “The Anderson Campus sits near three federally designated Opportunity Zones, maximizing impact on economic development.”

In addition to the expansion, the master plan for the Anderson campus includes relocation of the automotive program at the Pendleton campus to Anderson.

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