Gov. Henry McMaster joined state and local leaders Thursday for a tour of The CORNERSTONE: Economic Development & Workforce Training Center, a new 41,000-square-foot facility at Midlands Technical College’s Northeast campus.
The event, hosted by the Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) and project partners, took place at 10 a.m. at the facility on Research Court in Columbia.
The facility was created to serve as a hub for workforce hiring and training across the region. It underwent a rapid $5 million physical transformation to become a modern training facility.
“CORNERSTONE exemplifies the power of communication, cooperation, and collaboration,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Workforce development is one of the most effective ways to help our companies succeed and create new opportunities for our people. This center will be a powerful tool to attract new jobs and investment while helping existing businesses thrive.”
Partners involved in the project included Richland County, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, readySC, and Midlands Technical College.
Officials from Scout Motors, which plans to use the center to train employees for its upcoming Blythewood plant, also attended.
“This was a team effort, and the results are going to bring added value to all our partners as we continue to grow our manufacturing base in the Columbia area,” said Jeff Ruble, CEO of Columbia Area Development Partnership. “CORNERSTONE isn’t just a building; it’s a commitment we have made to help people and companies thrive here.”
Education is a key part of CORNERSTONE’s mission, with the facility expected to serve up to 20,000 community members.
The S.C. Technical College System calls it a major step forward in workforce readiness. ReadySC coordinates training at the center in partnership with the local industry.
”South Carolina’s technical colleges are here to make sure our industries have exactly what they need: a highly skilled, ready-to-work talent pipeline. In the Midlands and across the state, we’re providing customized training that keeps our companies competitive and builds the kind of workforce South Carolina is known for,” pledged S.C. Technical College President Dr. Tim Hardee.”We named the building CORNERSTONE because we want it to be the foundation of workforce development in our community,” Midlands Technical College President Dr. Greg Little said. “The pre-hire work that is already happening is a testament to what can be achieved quickly when groups and organizations come together through collaboration and teamwork.”
Through partnerships with local industries, CORNERSTONE provides hands-on training, certification programs, and workforce solutions tailored to employer needs.
The center allows companies to train, upskill, and hire workers in fields such as automotive, energy, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials.
For students and job seekers, CORNERSTONE offers access to quality training and clear career paths with local employers.
By connecting education with industry demand, the center supports business growth and workforce development across the Midlands.
