A graduation ceremony was held at Federal Correctional Institution Edgefield (FCI Edgefield) on Jan. 8, 2025, for nine inmates who earned welding certificates from Piedmont Technical College (PTC).
Zach McDowell, supervisor of education at FCI Edgefield, congratulated the graduates for taking a “step in the right direction.”
“I am very proud of you,” McDowell told the men.
McDowell also thanked PTC for offering welding courses at the FCI Edgefield. To date, 17 inmates at the facility have completed welding coursework offered by PTC.
PTC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Keli Fewox was the guest speaker at the graduation. She said the event marked the culmination of four years of collaboration between FCI Edgefield and PTC to create the welding program for inmates.
“Today means everything to me,” Fewox said.
Fewox told the graduates that the welding certificates that they earned will enable them to obtain good-paying jobs upon their release from FCI Edgefield.
“I hope your next chapter is your best one yet,” she said.
PTC Dean of Engineering and Industrial Technology Christina Knight, Welding Program Director Jim Ladd and Welding Instructor Barney Jordan also attended the graduation ceremony. They were joined by officials from FCI Edgefield.
About Piedmont Technical College:
Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is a comprehensive two-year college offering hands-on training in the latest technologies and exacting skill sets that are most sought after by employers in our region. PTC contributes to the economic growth and development of the largest and most diverse region of the South Carolina Technical College System, Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties. Throughout the region, PTC serves over 8,000 students annually.