The CLEANcarolinas team, led by Catherine Hayes, Director of Industry Solutions at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), Dr. Mike Mazzola, CLEANcarolinas' Project Director, and Carolyn Keith, CLEANcarolinas Chief Engagement Officer met with York Technical College (YTC) and the Catawba Tribal Nation to discuss workforce development and growing career opportunities in the advanced manufacturing arena supporting an expanding Carolinas-based offshore wind supply chain.

Representing YTC was Dr. Stacey Moore, President, Dr. Mehdi Sotudeh-Chafi, Dept. Chair Engineering Technologies, Dr. Jamie Cooper, EVP Academic and Student Affairs, and Mr. Michael McClain, Assoc. VP Industrial and Engineering Technologies.

Representing the Catawba Indian Nation was Mr. Michael Guidry, Director of Economic Development.

As part of the South Carolina Technical College System, York Technical College (YTC) is a public community college established in 1964 in Rock Hill and serves York, Chester, and Lancaster counties. YTC offers 100+ academic majors and numerous shorter-term trade certifications to over 6000 enrolled students. With transfer programs in place, many students continue their education at universities throughout South Carolina. A dual enrollment program extends opportunities for local high school students. Regional manufacturing industries, in conjunction with the college, offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Programs include mechatronics engineering, industrial manufacturing production and maintenance, machine tool technology, welding, materials handling, logistics, cybersecurity, and Lean Six Sigma certification. Future programs are anticipated in clean energy and electric vehicle maintenance and charging.

The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, with modern-day tribal lands located on the Catawba River, located in York County. There are currently over 3300 enrolled tribal members of the Nation with an ever-expanding footprint in the region. The Nation participates in several York County boards and committees, including Economic Development, the Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study, and the Catawba Regional Council of Governments. Recent tribal news included the start of a $700M casino to be located near Charlotte anticipated to create 2000 local jobs.