Danny Robinson, of Bennettsville, returned to college after retiring as a supervisor from a 30 year career in a local manufacturing facility that moved operations out of the country.  He enrolled at Northeastern Technical College and recently earned an associate degree with academic honors in Industrial Electronics.  He plans to open his own HVAC business possibly with his son who is also pursuing a HVAC degree.

December 16, 2009
NETC Prepares Boomers for a Second Career
As the nation struggles through the current economic downturn and industries go through major overhauls, many citizens in the Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon counties are facing unemployment.  Many of these capable workers are taking the opportunity to explore new avenues of education and career by taking courses at Northeastern Technical College (NETC) in Pageland, Cheraw, Bennettsville and Pageland. 

These returning or transitioning students are opening doors to new and exciting careers while enriching the culture at NETC though their wealth of life experience and knowledge.

“Many people are looking at courses to help them transition into new, stable jobs,” said Sherrie Chapman, Dean of Continuing Education at NETC. “Baby-boomers are the bulk of the population and as they reach retirement age they still have the will and need to work, but they need help learning the skills they need to start second careers.”

Northeastern Technical College has a number of programs in place to assist adults who are eager to transition into new careers. Courses and certification in energy technology, power technology, heavy equipment operation and truck driving all supply students with knowledge and certification that is in demand across the country.

Courses in the electrician technology program offer multi-faceted training that allows graduates to use their skills in residential, commercial or industrial applications.

Many of the students also take courses in entrepreneurship and marketing, affording them the knowledge necessary to start their own businesses and become a vital part of their communities.

NETC student Danny Robinson, of Bennettsville, spent decades working at a facility that recently relocated out of the country. By pursuing an associate’s degree in industrial electronics at NETC, he is preparing himself to enter a new career in heating, ventilating and air conditioning.  Robinson, who plans to start his own business using the skills he’s learned at NETC, found returning to school a worthwhile and enriching experience.

“I was terrified to start back at school, but now I hate to see it ending,” said Robinson.

“I really enjoyed going to NETC,” said Robinson. “I’ve made good friends and all the instructors have been supportive. I feel really prepared for my new career and look forward to a better future ahead.”

Robinson said NETC has made him realize how much he loves learning and that NETC provides a challenging and supportive environment to more mature students who are returning to college.

In addition to transitioning students, many retirees are taking a variety of classes to broaden their skill sets or take advantage of lifelong interests that may have lay dormant. The student population at NETC is diverse in age, background and culture, providing a comfortable yet challenging environment for all students.

“NETC is the right place to upgrade your skills and begin a new pathway to a future,” said Chapman.

For more information about Northeastern Technical College, visit www.netc.edu.  Each of the college’s campuses in Pageland, Cheraw, Bennettsville and Dillon will be closed for the holidays beginning Friday, December 18 at 1:30 and will reopen on Monday, January 4.  Open registration is January 6 and spring semester classes start on January 11.