Trident Tech Berkeley Campus Renovation Breaks Ground
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Trident Technical College officially broke ground on the $37.5 million renovation and construction project at its Berkeley Campus on Friday, March 28. The event, which marked the start of a transformative upgrade for the 40-plus-year-old facility, occurred at the campus site at 1001 South Live Oak Drive in Moncks Corner, S.C.
Upon completion, the project will renovate the 74,000-square-foot facility and add 11,500 square feet of new construction, converting the campus into a technologically advanced training center. The renovations will significantly enhance student capacity at the Berkeley Campus from 1,000 to 3,000 students.
"The renovation and expansion of our Berkeley Campus reflects our commitment to provide students the skills and training they need to succeed in high-demand industries like transportation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. The state-of-the-art labs in this facility will transform the educational experience for our students and drive economic growth and innovation across the region," said Dr. Vicky Wood, President of Trident Technical College. "Together, we are building a brighter future for our community.”
A highlight of the project is the development of the TRUIST Transportation and Logistics Center, which will equip Trident Tech students with the skills needed for commercial truck driving, diesel mechanics, and logistics careers. Planned renovations include an expanded skills pad for CDL training, high-bay training spaces for diesel mechanics and updated classrooms for logistics and CDL students
“TRUIST is proud to be part of the collaborative effort to renovate the Berkeley campus to better align with the needs of the business community, specifically the talent growth needs critical to our transportation and logistics sector,” said TRUIST Coastal Market President Mark Lattanzio.
Renovations include improvements to STEM-related classrooms and labs, student common areas and workforce training spaces. Additional upgrades include restrooms, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, a new roof, and a fire protection system to improve campus safety and infrastructure.
“It’s inspiring to see Trident Tech’s hard work paying off. This awesome project will provide new opportunities for specialized learning and career development, which in turn will lead to better opportunities for folks to earn a better living. I’m excited to be a part of it,” said S. C. Senator Larry Grooms.
This extensive project has been years in the making, with funding secured through the efforts of state and local officials and support from both public and private partnerships.
"As a dedicated champion of Trident Technical College, supporting the transformative renovation taking place at the Berkeley Campus was an easy decision for Home Telcom,” said William S. Helmly, President and CEO. “By equipping the campus with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure and expanding to accommodate more students, we are investing in the future of education and workforce development in our community.”
Construction is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the fall 2026 semester.
Liollio Architecture provided the design work, and Thompson Turner Construction will oversee site work at the Berkeley Campus. During the work, fencing around the site, temporary walls, and construction barriers on campus will restrict public access to most of the building.
The separate Vet Tech building and student-run cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology clinics will continue to operate on the Berkeley Campus. However, all other in-person services, including Berkeley Campus bookstore staff, have been temporarily relocated to Trident Tech’s four other campuses in the tri-county area.
To learn more about the $37.5 million renovation project planned for Berkeley Campus visit https://www.tridenttech.edu/about/locations/berkeley/berk_reno.htm.
About Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College is a public, two-year, multicampus community college that provides quality education and promotes economic development in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in coastal South Carolina. An open-door institution of higher education, Trident Technical College serves traditional and nontraditional curriculum students who have a wide variety of educational goals, from personal enrichment to career development to university transfer. The college further promotes economic development through noncredit courses; customized education and training for business, industry and government; and a variety of employment training programs. Learn more at www.tridenttech.edu. Established in 1975, the Trident Technical College Foundation advocates and raises funds for the college to support the region's economy.
