Trident Technical College unveils new nursing and science building

NORTH CHARLESTON (WCSC) - A three-story, 90,000 square foot building is what Trident Technical College hopes will make them more competitive in the nursing industry.

On Friday, the college unveiled a new nursing and science building at their main campus in North Charleston.

According to TTC President Mary Thornley, the project is all about jobs and improving the local economy.

By 2030, it's projected there will be of over 17,000 nurses in the state, that's according to a recent study by the University of South Carolina.

Thornley says the demand for more employees in the health care field is still growing, and they want to meet that need by providing the education.

The new space will allow the college to increase the number of students enrolled. The building not only houses the nursing program , but also the college's associate science program. The top floor consists of science classrooms and labs.

"We will be able to increase our numbers from 600 plus to around a thousand a year," said Thornley. "It's very timely, these students will find jobs."

Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties all pitched in for the construction of the $30 million project. Charleston County provided the most, with $18 million.

The building is also very energy efficient. Special features were included to preserve everything from water, lighting and air systems. Many materials used to build the structure were from recycled content.

Trident Technical College was so invested in making it energy efficient, they're going to apply for a LEED silver rating, which is an international recognition in "green building."

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