Our Mission, Vision, and History
History of FDTC
Founded to attract industry to the state to provide employment for South Carolinians, the South Carolina Technical Education System began with legislation enacted in 1961 to create the South Carolina Advisory Committee for Technical Education. The Committee identified strategic locations throughout the state for technical education training centers to train people for industrial employment.
Florence-Darlington Technical College was established in 1963 and currently serves Florence, Darlington, and Marion Counties. The College’s initial enrollment of 250 students now exceeds 3,500 curriculum students and 3,500 noncredit students. Its original campus of less than 10 acres has expanded to 234 acres with a modern complex of 11 major buildings totaling more 600,000 square feet.
The College launched the Southeastern Institute for Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) in August of 2007 to support industry, education, and economic development. FDTC’s machine tool, industrial engineering and engineering technology academic programs are housed at the SiMT, as well as the Offices of the Division of Corporate and Workforce Development.
Businesses, industries and non-profits from across the region utilize the 800-seat auditorium, classroom spaces, Executive board room and dining room, and multi-purpose conference center for meetings and events ranging from small groups to graduations for 1200. The Event Services at SiMT team provides meeting, event and audio visual expertise to businesses of every size, every day.
SiMT Manufacturing’s industrial 3D printing capabilities include the largest build platforms in the industry, with the shortest lead times, from an array of materials; durable plastic and metal parts and prototypes suitable for real-world testing and use; production-grade products using thermoplastics; and, products that simulate polypropylene or polycarbonate.
The Gould Business Incubator was established to help ensure the success of new business ventures. It offers an affordable, supportive launch platform for first and second stage companies by providing flexible, multi-use space: furnished offices, co-working office suites, and multi-use bays ranging from 540 to 990 sq. ft. All spaces are expandable and many offer large, roll up doors and 480 volt, 3-phase power. Affordable rent includes use of high-tech conference rooms with large screens for AV presentations, a dining area, security, and phone and internet service.
Additionally, the College has five external campuses including Hartsville, Mullins, Lake City at the Continuum, our Cosmetology Center, and the Health Science Campus in downtown Florence.
FDTC Strategic Plan 2022 - 2027
Florence-Darlington Technical College's Strategic Plan Committee developed the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan to provide the college with a roadmap to success. You can download a full version of the plan below and also see a visual of the plan outcomes.
Visual Representation of FDTC Strategic Plan
