York Tech Uses Grant to Train the Next Generation of Pulp and Paper Workers

March 21, 2007

ROCK HILL—On Friday, March 23, York Technical College along with Bowater Inc. will announce plans for a major training initiative that will address the growing need for trained workers in the pulp and paper industry. The new initiative—made possible by a $250,000 grant from AdvanceSC—will develop the next generation of workers in this rapidly-changing, global industry and launch a new associate degree program that addresses the growing need for trained workers in the pulp and paper industry.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday at York Technical College, the media is invited to hear from officials of the college as well as Bowater, who will describe the significance of the new training for workforce development and other economic impact.

Bowater, Inc. is a world leader in the manufacture of paper products. One of its primary operations is located on the Catawba River on the border of York and Lancaster counties. Many of the company's current employees have been at the plant since the 1960s. Recent changes in technology and attrition of these longtime employees have created a critical shortage in skilled labor knowledgeable in pulp and paper manufacturing. The new initiative will address this workforce training crisis.

"This program represents a new level of partnership between Bowater and York Technical College that will help Bowater stay competitive in the 21st century," said Dr. Marc Tarplee, associate vice president for academic affairs at York Tech.

"The development of this new program is essential for equipping men and women in our community with the necessary skills and training needed to compete for jobs in this important but rapidly-changing industry," said York Technical College President Dr. Greg Rutherford. "We greatly appreciate the support of Duke Energy and AdvanceSC, which makes this new training opportunity possible."

Students may be eligible for a paid internship with Bowater while they are in the program, and the company expects to provide many competitive employment opportunities for its graduates.

"Workforce development is critically important to Bowater," said Bowater Human Resources Manager Barry Baker. "The graduates of this new program will bring a solid understanding of pulp and paper manufacturing to the company. Educational efforts like this one are essential in allowing us to compete in a world economy. For both the students and our company, we are truly excited about this new opportunity."

"York Technical College shares the goals Duke Energy used in establishing our organization, and we’re privileged to partner with them in order to benefit so many people in this community,” said Robert M. Hitt, president of AdvanceSC.

The new program will be modeled after the National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training program, an initiative of Alabama Southern Community College and the Pulp and Paper Technology program of Halifax Community College in Weldon, NC. Nothing like it currently exists in our region despite a shortage of trained workers.

AdvanceSC was established by Duke Power to support the communities in Duke Power’s South Carolina service area through grants for public assistance and economic development. Duke Power funds AdvanceSC with 50 percent of its profits from certain wholesale or Bulk Power Marketing (BPM) sales of electricity allocable to South Carolina. AdvanceSC’s key areas of support include public assistance programs, education programs for economic development, economic development funding, and manufacturing competitiveness funding.

For more information about the program, contact Dr. Tarplee at (803) 327-8017.