More Than a Certification: Three Students Discover New Possibilities Through Midlands Technical College and Wil Lou Gray School

For many students, the path to a career is not always a straight line. 

Sometimes it begins with earning a GED. Sometimes it means saying yes to something they never planned to try. And sometimes, that choice changes what they see as possible. 

For Lamarion Cooper, Sean Hardison, and Malachi Haynes, that opportunity came through their decision to trust something new. The three students became the first cohort to earn entry-level plumbing certificates as part of a partnership between Midlands Technical College and the Wil Lou Gray School. Furthermore, they each continued on to complete the Backflow Prevention Device Tester training program, gaining hands-on experience while exploring a career they hadn’t previously imagined for themselves.  

The four-day program introduces students to backflow mechanics, cross connection prevention and the testing, troubleshooting, and repair of backflow prevention devices. Completion of the course serves as a prerequisite for certification as a Backflow Prevention Device Tester in South Carolina. 

For these students, however, the experience represented much more than a workforce credential. 

Taking a Chance 

When Cooper first heard about the class, he was not convinced it was for him. 

“I was looking at it kind of skeptical,” he said. “But if you don’t give something a try, you might not know if you like it or not.” 

That willingness to step outside his comfort zone led him to discover an entirely new interest. 

“When they brought up plumbing, I thought, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to like plumbing.’ But I gave it a try, and obviously I liked it. I’m actually thinking about it as one of my careers, other than IT.” 

He added that the experience meant more than just trying something new. 

“I’m thankful for it. It was like, what do you call it? A blessing. A blessing in disguise.” 

Choosing Growth 

For Haynes, the program represented an opportunity to move forward. 

While working and planning his future, he saw workforce education as a chance to build new skills and create a different path. 

“I needed to get myself together and really pay attention because this will determine whether I grow or stay in the same place.” 

His motivation is simple. 

“I want to be somebody.” 

Although plumbing presented new challenges, Haynes embraced the experience. 

“I was getting the hang of it, and I did it, and I loved it. It was a cool experience.” 

Building Confidence 

Hardison described his educational journey as one of growth and perseverance. 

“I never really did good in school,” he said. “It took me a minute to adjust, but I got to that point where I knew, ‘I got this.’” 

That confidence continued to grow throughout the backflow training. 

“The instructor taught me a lot of things I didn’t know about pipes, toilets, and water systems. I got the hang of it, passed the class and now I’m ready to keep learning.” 

Now, he says he is ready to take what he has learned and put it into practice. 

“I know that I’m confident that I can go in and do that [apply what I learned] without any issues.” 

Creating Opportunities Through Partnership 

The Backflow Prevention Device Tester program requires participants to attend all four days of training and successfully complete written and hands-on examinations while gaining practical skills that support water system safety and infrastructure maintenance. 

For Cooper, Hardison, and Haynes, certification is another step in a larger journey of continued education and career exploration. 

Each student spoke about discovering new interests, gaining confidence, and realizing they are capable of more than they once imagined. 

Before the conversation ended, Cooper shared one final thought that captures the spirit of the partnership between Midlands Technical College and Wil Lou Gray School. 

“I thank Mr. Coyer, Mrs. Glenn, and Dr. Little for getting us into the program and furthering our education,” he said. “I want this to be a steppingstone for other kids to change as well.” 

It is a reminder that workforce education is about more than earning a certification. It is about building confidence, discovering new pathways, and changing what students believe is possible for their future. 

Whether students are exploring a new career, building technical skills, or preparing for industry certification, Midlands Technical College provides accessible pathways that help turn possibility into purpose.