Nurturing The Next Generation: NETC's Early Childhood Education Program

For Marlowe Harrington, Early Childhood Education (ECE) is not just a profession, it is a calling. As NETC’s full-time ECE instructor, she is committed to preparing students to shape young lives with knowledge, compassion, and professionalism.

“Somebody’s child depends on you,” Harrington says. “You have to be all in. Education is not a halfway job, you need to show up ready every day.”

A Pathway for Every Goal

The program offers multiple stackable credentials to fit students’ goals and schedules:

Child Care Specialist (17 credits) – Covers foundational skills like CPR, first aid, sanitation, and child development.
Early Care & Education Certificate (24 credits) – Qualifies graduates to work as assistants in preschools, daycares, or private childcare settings.
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (66 credits) – Required to become a lead teacher.
Business Track – Prepares graduates to run their own childcare centers.

Each pathway is designed with the working student in mind. “Many of our students are already employed in childcare,” Harrington explains. “We build programs that meet them where they are and help them move forward.”

Hands-On Learning

In hybrid and in-person classes, students create lesson plans, develop classroom activities, and build portfolios they can take into their careers. This fall, Harrington is excited to partner with Compass Point First Steps, allowing students to work directly with children, something the program has been eager to reinstate.

Courses like ECD 132: Creative Materials and Activities and ECD 135: Nutrition, Health, and Safety for Young Children provide practical, real-world skills. “It is all applicable,” Harrington says. “Students leave knowing exactly how to set up a safe, engaging, and effective classroom.”

Financial Support and Career Growth

Through South Carolina Endeavors’ TEACH Scholarship (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) and the state’s Career Ladder program, students can earn financial assistance and even cash bonuses as they progress. Completing introductory courses like ECD 101 can mean an immediate pay increase for those already working in the field.

“These incentives help us attract and retain quality educators in our community,” Harrington says. “It is good for our students, good for schools, and great for the children they serve.”

More Than a Classroom

For Harrington, the best part of her work is watching students grow, personally and professionally. She recalls one student who entered the program with little computer experience and had to work hard just to type her first assignments. That same student went on to graduate with honors, earn her bachelor’s degree, and later complete her master’s degree.

“I am a pusher,” Harrington says with a smile. “If you start with me, you are going to finish. And the transformation we see, it is incredible.”

Impacting Families and Communities

The ripple effect of the program goes beyond the classroom. Well-prepared educators build strong relationships with parents, creating trust and collaboration that benefit children.

“I tell my students: safety first, then relationships,” Harrington says. “When families feel supported, everyone wins.”

Thinking About a Career in ECE?

Harrington’s advice is simple: “If it is in your heart, do it. You will not get rich, but you will make an impact that matters for generations. Just know, it is all or nothing. Our children deserve your very best.”

For more information on NETC’s Early Childhood Education program, the TEACH Scholarship, or the Career Ladder initiative, visit NETC’s ECE Program Page or contact Marlowe Harrington directly.

Click Here To Apply For The Program

Click Here To Learn More About Credential Incentives & Cash Bonuses

Click Here To Learn More About The TEACH Scholarship

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Summer 2025 Dean's List

Summer 2025 President's List

From Toy Trucks to 18-Wheelers: CDL Training at NETC

Northeastern Technical College CDL students are currently immersed in a program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to develop safe and skilled commercial drivers. The program is designed to give students the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the transportation industry.

Training begins with the required FMCSA theory course, where students study the rules, responsibilities, and safety requirements of commercial driving. From there, they progress to vehicle inspections, basic driving skills, and a series of backing exercises that prepare them for the CDL road test.

One of the unique features of the program is the use of toy trucks in the classroom to teach backing techniques. This top-down perspective helps students visualize how a truck moves in reverse. It makes it easier to understand counterintuitive steering and gives them confidence before they practice in real trucks.

Students then work through all seven FMCSA backing exercises, including straight-line backing, offset backing, alley dock maneuvers, and blind side backing. These exercises build precision and confidence in navigating tight spaces in full-size tractor-trailers.

Instructors emphasize more than just technical skills. By creating a supportive and relaxed learning environment, they help students develop professionalism, safety awareness, and courteous driving habits. The program prepares students to be skilled operators and responsible members of the commercial driving community.

Students Dish Out Skills and Flavor

NETC culinary students had the opportunity to provide hands-on learning by preparing beef short ribs or pork tenderloin with asparagus and risotto, followed by homemade banana pudding for college employees. The event also allowed students to practice customer service skills and receive valuable feedback from diners, enhancing their real-world culinary experience.

NETC Foundation Representatives Attend Washington, D.C. Night in Columbia

On August 20 at 6 p.m., the University of South Carolina Alumni Center in Columbia hosted Washington, D.C. Night, an event sponsored by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Chad Vick, Director of the Northeastern Technical College Foundation, and Andy Ingram, Development Coordinator, attended the gathering and had the opportunity to meet with Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Russell Fry, and SC Senator Allen Blackmon. The event also provided the foundation team the chance to schedule upcoming meetings with legislators to further discuss the needs of NETC.

“It was a great opportunity to connect with our leaders in Washington and learn more about how the Big Beautiful Bill will impact South Carolinians,” Vick shared.

Speakers at the event included Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Joe Wilson, Congressman Ralph Norman, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, Congressman Russell Fry, and SC Chamber President and CEO Mike Brenan. The programming was moderated by Meg Kinnard.

NETC Walk & Talk Recap

To celebrate Health and Wellness Month, Northeastern Technical College hosted a Walk & Talk Event on Thursday, August 21st. The event gave participants the opportunity to refresh their minds, stretch their legs, and connect with colleagues. A snack and water station kept everyone energized and refreshed throughout the event.

The Walk & Talk proved to be a simple and effective way to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall wellness. NETC is grateful to all who participated and helped make the event a success. 👟

NETC Honors Retired Board Chair Dan Bozard for Years of Service and Leadership

Retired Chairman of the NETC Board of Area Commissioners, Dan Bozard, was recognized and presented with the Dillon County Trailblazer Award during the college’s summer commencement ceremony in appreciation of his years of service and leadership to the college, having served as Chairman from August 2016 through February 2025. Shown in photo (L to R): NETC Vice President Erin Fann, NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner, Retired Area Commission Board Chair Dan Bozard, and Area Commission Board Chair Herbert Gould.

Daytime Massage Therapy Cohort Explores Advanced Techniques for the Pectoral Girdle

Students in the daytime massage therapy cohort recently had the opportunity to deepen their skills through hands-on training focused on the pectoral girdle. The session covered a variety of touch techniques, including gliding movements and muscle palpation, allowing students to identify and work with seven key muscles: the trapezius, subclavius, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, levator scapulae, and both rhomboid minor and major.

In addition to refining their technical abilities, students practiced proper body mechanics to ensure safe and effective treatments for both themselves and their clients. This immersive experience provided valuable practice in precision, technique, and muscle awareness, all of which are essential skills for successful massage therapists.

Schaeffler Apprenticeship Program Offers Hands-On Training and College Support for NETC Students

The Schaeffler Apprenticeship Program provides a unique opportunity for students at Northeastern Technical College (NETC) to earn a college degree while gaining valuable real-world work experience. Apprentices combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training at Schaeffler, learning skills that prepare them for a successful career in manufacturing and metalworking.

Pictured are current apprentices of the program.

Program Highlights

Students accepted into the program are hired as full-time employees by Schaeffler and receive the same benefits as other company staff, including competitive wages, vacation time, and healthcare coverage. Apprentices attend NETC as full-time students pursuing an Associate Degree in Machine Tool Technology, with all tuition, books, and supplies covered by Schaeffler.

The program lasts 3½ years, totaling 7,000 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job training. Apprentices sign an agreement to remain with Schaeffler for at least two years after completion, resulting in a total commitment of 5½ years.

Academic and Practical Training

During the first six months, apprentices spend half their time in academic classes and the other half in Schaeffler’s metalworking lab, learning metal forming techniques and using equipment such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders. For the remaining 2½ years, students spend about 25 percent of their time in classes at NETC and 75 percent participating in on-the-job training through departmental rotations at Schaeffler plants.

Apprentices must maintain a "C" average or better to continue in the program. Upon completion, they earn an Associate Degree in Machine Tool Technology and a Journeyman’s License from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Joining the Program

Schaeffler typically announces the apprenticeship program in June each year. Interested students apply online at Schaeffler.us and undergo a screening process. The program is officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, registration number IV-SC-10344.

This structured approach ensures apprentices gain both the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the manufacturing industry and provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth.

Click Here To Learn More About The Schaeffler Apprenticeship Program

NETC Night Massage Therapy Group Strengthens Anatomy Foundations

The night cohort of NETC’s Massage Therapy program is focusing on anatomy review. Instead of beginning with hands-on practice, students took time to study and reinforce their knowledge of the bones of the human skeleton.

This review session highlighted the importance of building knowledge before applying it in the classroom and in real-world massage therapy practice. By strengthening their understanding of anatomy, students are preparing to connect what they learn with the skills they use at the table.

NETC Announces Top 3 Cap Champions

Northeastern Technical College is excited to recognize the creativity of its graduates with the announcement of the Top 3 Cap Champions. Each of these finalists is a winner and will receive NETC swag. Graduates are asked to message the college to coordinate prize pickup. The college celebrates all students for their creativity and school spirit during this year’s graduation.

Welcome Week

Blazer Bingo Sparks Connections at NETC

Northeastern Technical College lit up Welcome Week with Blazer Bingo, an event that brought students together for laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition.

The focus was on energy and engagement. Each round had students leaning in, cheering, and building connections that went beyond the game. The excitement in the room was proof that sometimes the best win is simply finding common ground with classmates.

Just like welding brings separate pieces together to form something stronger, Blazer Bingo helped students bond and build lasting connections. The event did more than fill the room with bingo calls. It sparked a sense of belonging that will carry through the semester.

Students Connect and Celebrate at NETC Welcome Week Pizza Party

Northeastern Technical College students, faculty, and staff came together for a fun start to Welcome Week at the campus Pizza Party social event. The gathering gave new and returning students a chance to connect, relax, and celebrate the start of a new semester.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of pizza options, drinks, and light snacks while mingling with peers and faculty. The casual atmosphere encouraged conversation, laughter, and the building of new friendships, making it an ideal kickoff to a week filled with engaging activities.

Students left with full stomachs, new friends, and excitement for the semester ahead.

NETC looks forward to hosting more events throughout the year that bring the campus community together in fun and meaningful ways.

Employee Health & Wellness Clinic

📅 Date: August 28

🕕 Time: 9AM-11AM

📍 Location: Cheraw Campus Library

Labor Day Campus Closed

📅 Date: September 1

🕕 Time: All Day

📍 Location: All NETC Campuses

Blood Drive

📅 Date: September 9

🕕 Time: 9AM-12PM

📍 Location: 2204 US-301 Dillon, SC 29536

Blood Drive

📅 Date: September 9

🕕 Time: 3PM-6PM

📍 Location: 1120 Oakwood St Bennettsville, SC 29512

Northeastern Technical College - Dillon Campus is partnering with The Blood Connection to sponsor a blood drive on Tuesday, September 9 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Each donor will receive $40 in donor rewards! Each blood donation saves up to 3 lives! Donors need to be at least 16 years old (16-year-olds need a signed parental consent form !!! Electronic Parent Consent Form !!!), weigh at least 110 pounds, have a photo ID and be in general good health.

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments will be honored first.

Schedule Appointment Here!

Northeastern Technical College - Bennettsville Campus is partnering with The Blood Connection to sponsor a blood drive on Tuesday, September 9 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Each donor will receive $40 in donor rewards! Each blood donation saves up to 3 lives! Donors need to be at least 16 years old (16-year-olds need a signed parental consent form !!! Electronic Parent Consent Form !!!), weigh at least 110 pounds, have a photo ID and be in general good health.

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments will be honored first.

Schedule Appointment Here!