Students Practice Clinical Skills in Hands-On Training | | |
Northeastern Technical College students recently had the opportunity to put their clinical training into practice in a supervised, hands-on setting. Some students performed venipunctures using vacutainer needles on one another, a procedure they are allowed to do only after completing formal training and receiving sign-off from instructors.
Other students practiced capillary (finger) sticks, also following proper training protocols. Faculty closely monitored all activities to ensure that each procedure was performed safely and correctly.
This hands-on experience allows students to build confidence and competency in essential clinical skills before entering professional settings.
| | | MET-105 Students Explore Series-Parallel DC Circuits | | |
During a recent MET-105 (DC & AC Electricity) class, students explored resistive combination circuits, focusing on series-parallel DC electrical circuits. The class learned to analyze these circuits by breaking them into series-only and parallel-only portions, applying previously acquired knowledge of each type to calculate desired values.
A variety of teaching resources supported the lesson, including PowerPoint slides, instructional videos, AutoCAD drawings with layering, dry-erase board sketches, and hands-on lab circuits. Wiring and testing the circuits in the lab allowed students to reinforce lecture concepts through practical application.
This combination of theory and hands-on practice helps prepare students for real-world electrical and technical challenges.
| |  | | Employee Making a Difference in “Education Desert” | Ron Stafford, Head Librarian at Northeastern Technical College, was recently spotlighted in the USC Alumni Magazine for transforming student access to learning resources. | | |
After earning his Master of Library and Information Science in 2017 and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in 2020, Stafford returned to his hometown of Cheraw, South Carolina, with a mission: help students in a rural, low-income area succeed after graduation.
To understand student needs, Stafford put up a sign asking, “If I didn’t have to buy textbooks, I could afford…” Responses ranged from food and childcare to a new car, revealing just how financially challenging textbooks can be.
This inspired Stafford to launch Open Educational Resources (OER), providing free textbooks through an online platform. Today, NETC’s campus is 96 percent textbook-free, giving students critical access to learning materials without added costs.
Implementing OER wasn’t simple. Two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea was initially rejected. But after demonstrating its feasibility, Stafford gained approval from colleagues and the college president.
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Since then, Stafford has shared his work nationally, presenting OER in Boston, Texas, and Las Vegas, and has been invited to speak to the South Carolina Technical College System. His goal remains clear: ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive, no matter where they are.
“The one idea to help students has ended up changing the direction of my life and given me a new roadmap,” Stafford said.
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Health Coverage Open Enrollment | | Open Enrollment is here! While the official dates are October 1–31, employees can begin making coverage changes today for the upcoming year. | | | |
Any updates made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026.
To ensure everything is in order, employees are encouraged to log into their MyBenefits account at mybenefits.sc.gov to:
- Verify that all personal information (address, phone numbers, email, etc.) is accurate and current.
- Make any necessary coverage changes for next year.
- Review existing coverage.
- Update life insurance beneficiaries.
- Provide up-to-date contact information for beneficiaries.
If employees are satisfied with their current choices, the only step needed is to re-enroll in the MoneyPlus flexible spending account if they participate.
Dental changes can only be made during odd years. This means 2025 is a dental year!
| | NETC Hosts Exciting Debut of Trailblazers Invitational Golf Tournament | | |
Northeastern Technical College hosted the first-ever Trailblazers Invitational, bringing together six other colleges for a competitive day of collegiate golf. Originally scheduled for 36 holes, the tournament was shortened to 18 holes due to heavy rainfall.
USC Sumter emerged as the top team, edging out Southwest Virginia Community College by four shots. USC Sumter’s low four scores totaled 301, while Southwest Virginia shot 305. The low individual medalist was Parker Gordish from Columbia College, firing an impressive under-par round of 71 despite wet conditions.
Final Team Scores:
- Columbia College (A Team) – 311
- USC Union – 311
- Cleveland State Community College – 314
- Columbia College (B Team) – 315
- Sandhills Community College – 320
- USC Sumter (B Team) – 332
- Northeastern Technical College – 336
NETC’s team was led by Drake Morris, who shot 78 to tie for 15th overall. Close behind were Evan Cox (83), Landon Hardy (85), Rodney Atkinson (90), and Cody Watkins (94).
A special thank you to White Plains Golf Club for hosting the event and to Andrew Currie, Charles Chapman, and Eric Dusa for making this first collegiate tournament possible.
| | | | Students Master Precision in Metrology Class | | |
Students are sharpening their skills in Metrology, the science of measurement and its practical applications. In a recent class session, they focused on learning how to correctly use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and dial calipers.
These tools require a delicate “feel” to achieve accurate readings, and students practiced using gauge blocks, which are precise physical standards of length used to calibrate measuring instruments.
Metrology is a critical part of the training because it equips students to take measurements with extreme accuracy, down to four decimal places such as 0.0001 inches. Mastery of these skills ensures students are prepared to meet the high standards required in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
| | | NETC Welding Program Empowers Students Through Applied Learning | | While the idea of suiting up and letting the sparks fly is an exciting prospect, all skills and confidence in welding are built on a foundation of learning. At Northeastern Technical College, students in the Welding program begin by familiarizing themselves with the Key Terms and Review questions associated with each new welding process. These exercises provide essential knowledge of machine components and welding techniques, preparing students for success in professional environments. | “All skills and confidence are built on a foundation of learning.” – Instructor Cory Botelho | | | |
One of the students, focused on mastering these concepts, developing the confidence to ask informed questions and apply appropriate techniques in practical scenarios.
As with many programs at NETC, students are not expected to arrive with extensive prior knowledge. Instructors provide foundational instruction and then give students the time, space, and autonomy to apply their skills, troubleshoot independently, and advance their learning while using both instructors and textbooks as supportive resources.
This approach underscores NETC’s commitment to applied learning, critical thinking, and career readiness, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for opportunities beyond the classroom.
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Jazzy Tree Ornament Painting
📅 Date: October 8
🕕 Time: 12P-3P
📍 Location: Student Union, Cheraw Campus, 1201 Chesterfield Hwy Cheraw, SC 29520
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Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Out & Walk Where You Are
📅 Date: October 21
🕕 Time: 12P
📍 Location: Marlboro Campus, 1120 Oakwood Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512
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World Health Day
📅 Date: October 13
🕕 Time: All Day
📍 Location: Student Union All Campuses
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Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Out & Walk Where You Are
📅 Date: October 22
🕕 Time: 12P
📍 Location: Dillon Campus,
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Outdoor Jazz Concert & Food Trucks
📅 Date: October 16
🕕 Time: 11A-1P
📍 Location: Cheraw Campus, 1201 Chesterfield Hwy Cheraw, SC 29520
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Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Out & Walk Where You Are
📅 Date: October 23
🕕 Time: 12P
📍 Location: Pageland Campus, 815 South Pearl St. Pageland, SC 29728
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SC Jazz Festival
📅 Date: October 18
🕕 Time: 11A
📍 Location: Downtown Cheraw
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OneBlood Blood Drive
📅 Date: October 20
🕕 Time: 10A-3P
📍 Location: Cheraw Campus, 1201 Chesterfield Hwy Cheraw, SC 29520
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Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Out & Walk Where You Are
📅 Date: October 20
🕕 Time: 12P
📍 Location: Cheraw Campus, 1201 Chesterfield Hwy Cheraw, SC 29520
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Halloween Goodie Bags
📅 Date: October 27
🕕 Time: All Day
📍 Location: Student Union All Campuses
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Career Connection Hiring Event
📅 Date: October 29
🕕 Time: 10A-1P
📍 Location: Marlboro Campus, 1120 Oakwood St. Bennettsville, SC 29512
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Dear Students and Faculty,
This Veterans Day, NETC wants to honor those who have served our nation and recognize the sacrifices they’ve made. Veterans within the NETC community are invited to share photos that reflect their military service or the ways they commemorate Veterans Day.
Photos can include:
- Past Veterans Day events
- Military service moments
- Flags, ceremonies, or memorial displays
- Any meaningful tribute
Include with your submission:
- Photo(s)
- Your name, role (student, faculty, or staff), and branch of service
- Optional caption or short description
Submitted photos will be featured in our newsletter and on NETC social media, highlighting the dedication and contributions of our veterans.
Please send your via the link below
Thank You For Your Service!
| | Be part of the NETC community with campus news, events, and resources. See how we support students, celebrate achievements, and bring the Trailblazer family together. | Watch NETC in action through student stories, hands-on training, and campus events. Explore tutorials, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments that bring the Trailblazer experience to life. | | | Get a behind-the-scenes look at student life, hands-on learning, and campus events. From study sessions to celebrations, discover what it’s like to be a Trailblazer every day. | Connect with career opportunities, industry partnerships, and student success stories. Stay updated on programs that prepare you for the workforce and highlight how our graduates are making an impact. | | Catch the latest from NETC! Your source for student achievements, campus updates, hands-on training highlights, and the stories shaping the Trailblazer experience. | | |
From hands-on training to campus events, student wins, and behind the scenes moments. This is life at NETC.
Follow for student stories, career tips, and campus highlights.
| | Join the NETC Alumni Association! | | |
Stay connected, give back, and grow alongside your fellow Trailblazers.
As a valued member, you’ll gain:
• Exclusive networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals
• Invitations to special alumni-only events
• Access to career support and mentorship programs
• Timely updates on campus news and exciting initiatives
• The chance to inspire and support the next generation of NETC leaders
Whether you want to stay connected or make a meaningful impact, the NETC Alumni Association is your lifelong gateway to success.
| | | Northeastern Technical College | 1201 Chesterfield Highway | Cheraw, SC 29520 US | | | | |
