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HGTC Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina, a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility that will serve as the new home for the College’s Outboard Marine Technology and Boat Building Technology programs.
The community is invited to join HGTC leaders, industry partners, legislators, and Area Commissioners for this special event:
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: HGTC Georgetown Campus
“This groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for HGTC, our students, and South Carolina’s thriving marine industry,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, President of HGTC. “As demand for skilled marine technicians and boat builders continues to grow, this facility will allow us to expand our programs, increase enrollment, and provide cutting-edge workforce training to meet industry needs.”
The Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina is strategically located near Winyah Bay, in the heart of South Carolina’s coastline, making it the ideal site for this first-of-its-kind facility in the state. The project will double enrollment in the Outboard Marine Technology program from 24 to 48 students annually while also introducing the Boat Building Technology program, which will train 24 students per year in foundational skills such as composite construction and structural reinforcements.
South Carolina is home to one of the most robust boating industries in the United States, with 567,000 registered boats, 30 boat builders, and over 656 marine-related businesses employing 155,000 people. The marine and fishing industry contributes 3.1% of the state’s GDP, highlighting the critical need for skilled workers to sustain and grow this sector.
HGTC’s new facility will serve as a leading hub for marine technology training, equipping students with the skills necessary to support this high-demand industry. As Yamaha’s only college-level partner in South Carolina and a flagship partner across the U.S., HGTC is proud to continue its tradition of excellence with the only outboard marine and boat building training curriculum in the technical college system and the state.
The new training facility will feature:
- Expanded Outboard Marine Technology Program – Doubling student enrollment and continuing industry-leading training in marine engine technology.
- New Boat Building Technology Program – A one-year curriculum providing specialized skills in composite construction and structural reinforcements.
- Industry Partnerships – Collaboration with South Carolina’s top boat manufacturers and marine employers to ensure graduates meet workforce needs.
- Economic Impact – Supporting job growth and enhancing South Carolina’s status as a leader in marine manufacturing.
HGTC invites media, community members, and industry partners to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and learn more about how this new facility will make a lasting impact on the region.
To attend, please RSVP to Cathy Myers at cathy.myers@hgtc.edu.