#1409 | August 19, 2013

Group photo cutline: Savannah area economic development, business and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of Savannah Technical College’s Aviation Training Center at the college’s Crossroads campus. Pictured left to right: STC Board Member Mary Warnell, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel Ira Berman, TCSG State First District Board Member Mary Flanders, STC President Dr. Kathy Love, Georgia Representative Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, STC Board Member Terry Lemmons, STC Board of Directors Chairman Donald Lovette, STC Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Jim LaHaise, SEDA Board of Directors Chairman David Paddison; SEDA President/CEO Tripp Tollison.

The sky’s the limit for aviation training in Southeast Georgia

SAVANNAH – Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson, Savannah Technical College President Dr. Kathy Love and honored guests celebrated the grand opening of STC’s Aviation Training Center today.

“The new Aviation Training Center at Savannah Technical College will provide Georgia’s aviation industry with the highly-skilled workforce that they need in key areas like aircraft assembly and maintenance,” said Jackson. “President Kathy Love and her faculty and staff have worked closely with corporate leaders like Gulfstream to develop a model facility that will provide outstanding training for our students and place them in great careers in an industry that’s essential for Georgia’s future growth and economic development.”

The nearly 30,000-square-foot facility at STC’s Crossroads Campus has a 5,000-square-foot hangar, four labs designed and equipped for hands-on instruction and spacious classrooms. It was designed by James W. Buckley and Associates, Inc. and built by Pope Construction.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a tangible reminder of Savannah Technical College’s commitment to provide an assortment of programs tailored to meet the workforce needs of our region’s businesses and industries,” said President Love. “With the opening of this facility, Savannah Technical College is answering the call of the aerospace industry for a workforce with specialized skills. Students that begin their training here will be on a pathway to great jobs and successful careers.”

Savannah Tech’s Aviation Division currently offers several programs of study that prepare students for careers in the aviation industry. These programs include certificates and diplomas in aircraft structures manufacture and repair, luxury craft cabinetmaking, and aircraft electrical equipment repair and installation. The College was recently approved to offer the Aircraft Upholstery and Trim Technical Certificate of Credit. The College is currently accepting student applications for this program scheduled to begin spring semester of 2014.

The College is currently seeking FAA approval to offer programs that will provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified as airframe and powerplant mechanics. The new Aviation Training Center will help STC meet FAA Part 147 requirements, which govern aviation mechanic schools.

For more information about Savannah Technical College’s Aviation Technology programs visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology.

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Aviation Training Center Building Specs.

• 29,152 sq. ft. building, which includes a hangar, four training labs and five classrooms with a tarmac.
• Classrooms have computers in desks for enhanced computer-based learning.
• 5,000-sq.-ft. hangar includes hoist, portable paint booth, ground support equipment, electro tug ground power unit and engine stands.
• Training Labs:
  • Powerplant: engines (reciprocating/turbine), storage rooms, battery room
  • Airframe: electrical trainers, Non-Destructive Testing / Non-Destructive Inspection equipment, Magnaflux Machine, Zyglo Machine.
  • Aircraft Structural (Sheet Metal/Cabinetmaking): sheer, breaks, slip roller, heat treat oven
  • Composite: electrical and air drops from ceiling, tool room.
  • Electronics/Avionics Training Lab (classroom used as a lab): 12 computer stations, instructor station tracks progress
• Designed by James W. Buckley and Associates. Construction by Pope Construction Company.

Aircraft Technology Division

• Aircraft Structural Technology Diploma (52 credit hours or three to four semesters)
• Aircraft Assembly Technician Certificate (12-13 credit hours or one semester)
• Aircraft Upholstery and Trim Certificate (14 credit hours) JUST APPROVED – STARTS SPRING 2014
• Luxury Craft Cabinetmaking Certificate (10 credit hours)

Aircraft Technology Career Description and Trends

• Aircraft structural technicians build new equipment and conduct repairs. Manufacturing work is based on customer orders in a team assembly environment. Repair work is typically paid hourly and on an as-needed basis, but training is needed for all types of aircraft (old and new) and is dependent on customers needing repairs.
• Local trends indicate rapid job growth through 2015 for aircraft upholstery and trim, and then moderate growth in the foreseeable future.
• In 2005, there were close to 700 luxury craft cabinetmakers working in Georgia. Job growth in this field is predicted to be about 3% regionally and 12% nationally for the next decade. The most growth is predicted to be in aerospace product manufacturing and service.
• Government contracts are currently being negotiated with aerospace suppliers, which may potentially increase employment demand by several hundred to thousands of individuals during the next few years.

These programs incorporate hands-on training and provide skill sets necessary for a job within the industry. These programs do not guarantee students a job with any aviation company. For more information about Aircraft Technology programs call 912.443.4094 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology

 

 

Aviation Training Student Success Nelson Guzman, Structural Mechanic for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., STC Aircraft Structural Assembly Graduate

Six years ago, Nelson Guzman worked for a local janitorial company, cleaning the hangar floors at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

Today, he’s a structural mechanic at Gulfstream, where he assembles state-of-the-art cockpits for the company’s G450 and G550 jets.

At the age of 19, Nelson formulated a plan to get the training he needed to transition from sweeping floors to building high-tech airplanes. The key component of that plan was attending Savannah Tech’s Aircraft Structural Assembly program.

“I knew Savannah Tech would give me a good starting point,” he explains. “All I needed was the training and a chance to prove myself.”

At the age of 20, Nelson enrolled at Savannah Tech, where he got plenty of hands-on manufacturing experience, worked with rivet guns and fasteners, studied blueprints and learned the aerospace manufacturing process.

After completing the program, Nelson interviewed with Gulfstream and secured a position as a trainee. Over the past five years, this proud Savannah Tech graduate has been promoted three times and has distinguished himself as an exemplary Gulfstream employee.

Savannah Tech enabled this hard-working Pooler resident to transition from a minimum wage job to a high-paying position at a leading local manufacturer.

“Savannah Tech gave me a great foundation,” he raves. “I love coming to work every day and take pride in what I do at Gulfstream. I’m grateful Savannah Tech helped me achieve my career goals.”

Aviation Technology Information:
912.443.4094 or savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1406 | August 6, 2013

Welding is one of the two career training opportunities for GED-prep students this fall at Savannah Technical College.

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College is offering 30 GED^®-prep students the opportunity to begin training in welding or industrial systems this fall at the Savannah campus.

The College was selected as one of a few technical colleges in Georgia to offer this program through Accelerating Opportunity (AO). This initiative provides students, returning to school to obtain their GED^® at select Georgia technical colleges, the opportunity to earn post-secondary credentials in high-demand occupations through dual enrollment.

To accommodate this class of 15 welding students, the College is expanding its capacity by adding 16 new welding booths – 15 for the AO students plus an overflow booth for training. Students in the Industrial Systems program will learn skills to work as an electrical maintenance engineer. Careers in welding and industrial systems are considered to be “family-sustaining wage” jobs that start at $12/hour with benefits or $15/hour without benefits.

Traditionally, students earn a GED^® prior to enrolling in courses that lead to a degree or certificate. Through Accelerating Opportunity, funded by Jobs for the Future, students enrolled in a GED^® program will simultaneously enroll in technical instruction. These students will be enrolled in GED^®-prep classes, while accelerating their training for work. The collaboratively taught classes integrate basic skills with practical, occupational training that build toward degrees and/or certificates. Students will work with a career navigator that will help them succeed in the program, overcome obstacles, and ultimately graduate with the credentials.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a person with a high school or GED^® credential earns $10,000 more per year than a non-high school graduate. The income level increases substantially more for those who go on to complete a college certificate, diploma or degree program. There are more than one million Georgians who are 25 years of age or older and do not have a high school education or GED^® diploma. Adult education classes for GED^®-prep are currently free for all U.S. citizens.

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program serves those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED^® test to attain a high school equivalence degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED^® testing.

Savannah Technical College teaches adult education classes in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties with multiple locations in each community. For more information about GED^® classes at Savannah Tech or the Accelerating Opportunity program, please contact STC’s Dean of Adult Education Brent Stubbs at bstubbs@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5352.

 

About Accelerating Opportunity

Georgia is one of 11 states awarded grants from Jobs for the Future with the goal of becoming a national leader in adult education innovation. Without a high school diploma or GED, adults cannot pursue post-secondary educational opportunities that are critical for today’s job market.

Recognizing this need, TCSG applied for the three-year Accelerating Opportunity grant. The grant design team included representatives from the TCSG Technical Education Division, TCSG College leadership and faculty, Georgia Department of Labor, Local Workforce Investments Boards, TCSG College Business Advisory Committees, and relevant employers/employer associations. When Georgia was awarded the grant, it joined a national learning network of Accelerating Opportunity states.

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STC GED^® Classes | Accelerating Opportunity Program Contact:
STC’s Dean of Adult Education Brent Stubbs
bstubbs@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5352.

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1405 | August 2, 2013

SAVANNAH –Savannah Technical College has extended its fall semester enrollment deadline until August 15. First-time or transferring students must submit all admissions paperwork prior to the enrollment deadline.

Student Affairs will be open extended hours at the College’s campuses in Savannah, Hinesville and Rincon from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and from 8 a.m. until noon on Fridays during the extended enrollment period. The first day of classes for fall semester is August 22.

 

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR

912.443.5512 or  ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1404 | July 25, 2013

Shondai Dunbar-Williams won bronze in Nurse Assisting when she represented Savannah Tech and the State of Georgia in the Skills USA National Leadership and Skills Competition, in Kansas City, Mo., in June 2013.

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College student Shondai Dunbar-Williams won the bronze award at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference for Nurse Assisting. The win came after competing at the state level, where she won gold. At the national level she competed with six other students in front of a panel of judges.

SkillsUSA is an annual competition where industry leaders representing more than 1,100 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions recognized students for their demonstrated excellence in 98 hands-on occupational and leadership contests.

Dunbar-Williams, who is studying practical nursing at Savannah Tech, was unaware that she would place, “After competing I was not expecting to place – so to place and be acknowledged and awarded made me feel accomplished.”

SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization that annually serves more than 320,000 high school, college and postsecondary students-and their instructors-in technical, skilled and service-occupation instructional programs. The competition is held annually for students who have honed their skills to compete on a national level which allows students to see the success and how far their education is taking them.

“Being in the SkillsUSA competition was a very humbling experience,” said Dunbar-Williams. “There is so much that I learned about myself and what I have to offer the world. After experiencing SkillsUSA I know now that it is us, the ones who choose community or technical college to pick up a trade and go straight into the workforce, that make the difference.”

Savannah Tech Health Science Instructor Kissiah Moore, knew the full potential Dunbar-Williams possessed, “Shondai stood out amongst her peers by demonstrating her knowledge and skills exceptionally,” said Moore who is also her Skills USA advisor. “Her participation in class in in clinical demonstrate her ability to compete at the state level (winning gold) and national level (winning bronze). Shondai took this competition seriously, and that is why she won.”

Moore also pointed out that participating in competitions such as SkillsUSA shows students the importance of being prepared with skills in a chosen field. The competition “increases a personal responsibility, professionalism and commitment to the job. SkillsUSA prepares students to hone in on their skills and find a whole new level of preparedness.”

Dunbar-Williams was accepted into the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at the Liberty campus in January 2013 and will complete the program in December.

Savannah Technical College’s nursing program has had an average 92.4% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) passing rate for the last two years and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). This competitive admission nursing program prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-PN to test to be an LPN and work in doctor’s offices, for the health department or for nursing homes. For more information on the LPN and other Health Science programs visit: Savannahtech.edu/Health_Sciences.

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Health Sciences Academic Advisor: Cindy Cole
912.443.5721 or ccole@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1401 | July 9, 2013
Dental Hygiene Class President Mary Ashley Smith celebrates at Savannah Technical College’s 2013 graduation with her Dental Hygiene class. Smith is the College’s 2013 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) award honoree of the year and a Technical College System of Georgia GOAL finalist.

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Dental Hygiene program announced its 2013 graduating cohort of 16 students successfully passed both the Central Regional Dental Testing Service practical licensing examination and the American Dental Association National Board Dental Hygiene Examination late in the 2013 spring semester. Both exams must be successfully passed in order for graduates to apply for dental hygiene licensure in the state(s) in which they intend to practice. This is the first cohort to both start and finish the program at Savannah Tech.

The Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene is a 82-credit-hour program. Students provide clinical patient care as a component of their curriculum requirements. Dr. Suzanne Edenfield is proud of the program’s record of success, noting that most students are offered employment positions pending successful completion of two credentialing examinations and licensure.

The program utilizes a competitive admissions process. For more information about program admission, please contact STC’s Health Sciences Academic Advisor Heather Valentine (hvalentine@savannahtech.eduor 912.443.5721) or Edenfield (sedenfield@savannahtech.edu).

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Health Sciences Academic Advisor Heather Valentin
hvalentine@savannahtech.eduor 912.443.5721)

Dental Hygiene Department Head
Dr. Suzanne Edenfield (sedenfield@savannahtech.edu)

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1290 | June 25, 2012

SAVANNAH – Tomorrow evening at 6 PM, more than 300 Savannah Technical College students will walk across the stage at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in the Savannah Civic Center at the college’s graduation ceremony.

      Among the faces beaming with pride will be Kevin Steinbach, an honors graduate in the Business Management program, who started work recently with local heavy equipment maker JCB in a specially-created logistics position, one of only two worldwide. Kevin, an unassuming young man originally from Effingham County, finished his class work, including an internship with the company in April of this year. “We were always told to take advantage of the opportunity and absorb all the knowledge we could from the culture and environment,” he says. “I did my best to work hard and do things right.”

      And doing things right is something that he’s done for some time. Three years ago, he was the general manager of a landscaping company. When he saw business tapering off, he and his wife paid off all their debts and started saving cash so that they could both go to college. He enrolled full time at Savannah Tech and his wife enrolled part-time, studying accounting. Two years later, he has completed the Business Management Associate Degree program and she will start her Accounting major courses this fall. Says Kevin, “It was definitely worth the investment. I liked that the schedule offered me the flexibility to get things done when I needed to.” He also attributes his internship experience with helping him land the job. “There is no way I would be here now if it hadn’t been for my internship and what I learned at Savannah Tech.”

      Says STC Business Management Department Head Susan Pinkston, “The program has a strong track record and an excellent reputation.” Within the past year, Pinkston has had graduates hired by the Landings Club, major hotel chains, by manufacturing companies and in larger markets like Washington, DC. Others choose to continue their education or open their own businesses. “The great thing about the business programs at Savannah Technical College is that students can study in a major that interests them and find electives in related areas that can broaden their knowledge. For example, many Business Management students take accounting, computer, marketing, and hospitality courses that help further define their career paths”, explains Pinkston.

      Savannah Technical College offers associate degree and diploma programs in Business Management. For information, contact Susan Pinkston 912.443.5082 or spinkston@savannahtech.edu.

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For More Information Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1364 | June 5, 2013

SAVANNAH – Mary E. “Lisa” Eason, assistant commissioner of administration with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), will deliver the commencement address at Savannah Technical College’s 2013 graduation, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25 in the Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center.

Savannah Tech has awarded more than 130 degrees and diplomas for students that completed coursework from summer 2012 through spring 2013. Also, 460 GED diplomas have been earned during that time. Savannah Tech expects more than 200 degree, diploma and GED recipients to participate in graduation.

Eason is the recipient of the 2008 Georgia GED Outstanding Achievement Award for accomplishments in her education and career. She began her professional career with the State of Georgia as an intern with the Georgia Department of Audits in January of 1995, and went to work full-time with the Department after graduating from the University of West Georgia in August of 1996 with a BBA in Accounting. She also worked as an accounting manager in the Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s Office before being hired in 1999 by the Department of Technical and Adult Education, which later became the TCSG.

She received several promotions during her tenure with TCSG, and in February 2008 the Commissioner recognized Lisa’s contributions to the system by promoting her to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Administration. She currently serves in that role, providing expert assistance and guidance in all areas relating to the administration of fiscal affairs, human resources and information technology for Georgia’s 25 technical colleges, the Office of Adult Education, and Quick Start; the System’s workforce training program.    Lisa also works closely with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, the State Accounting Office, House and Senate budget offices, and other state agencies to ensure the administrative needs of the system are always being met.

Eason and her husband, Jim Eason, live in Sharpsburg, Ga. She has three grown children, one stepdaughter and ten grandchildren. She enjoys tracing her family tree, playing video games with the grandkids, and spending time with her family and friends.

With attendees’ safety in mind, there will be enhanced security at commencement this year. Large bags and backpacks will not be allowed at commencement ceremonies. All bags and persons may be subject to screening. This is similar to security procedures used for other major events at public venues. Employees, students and guests are encouraged to leave personal belongings and wrapped gifts at home or locked securely in their vehicles.

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Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1363 |  May 22, 2013

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College has selected Dr. Vic Burke as its Vice President of Operations and Technology. He is responsible for planning, administering and evaluating institutional services, which include facilities management, building and grounds maintenance, campus police and security, and information technology services.

Burke will also formulate, develop, and implement program services, policies, standards, and activities in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Before being named Vice President of Operations and Technology, he was the Division Chair of STC’s Criminal Justice and Fire Science programs. Also, he has worked as Savannah Tech’s Department Chair of the Law Enforcement Degree Program and the Director of Public Safety and Facilities for Savannah Technical College. He has successfully overseen the implementation or restructuring of three administrative divisions and four postsecondary academic programs.

Burke holds a doctorate of public administration from Valdosta State University and a master’s in public administration from Georgia Southern University.

 

 

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Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR 912.443.5512 or  ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Fourteen candidates are now qualified to be POST-certified peace officers in Georgia

 SAVANNAH – Fourteen students from the Savannah Technical College Peace Officer Academy celebrated graduating from the program with a completion ceremony today.

These students have completed coursework containing the entire Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. Their successful completion of the program qualifies them to be state-certified peace officers.

This is the twelfth group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated more than 150 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Many candidates are in various stages of the application process with statewide agencies. Savannah Tech’s Peace Officer Academy has a 98% placement rate.

Each cohort selects a fallen officer for whom the graduating class will be named. The cohorts have a tradition of giving the family of the fallen officer a challenge coin dedicated to the officer. A challenge coin is a symbol of an unbreakable bond of dedication and allegiance among military personnel and law enforcement officers. The challenge coin tradition started as a military tradition in World War I and was later adopted by law enforcement.

This cohort elected to honor Sgt. Robert Warren “Bobby” Crapse, of the Bryan County Sheriff’s Department. His watch ended on Friday, June 15, 2012, when a driver traveling the wrong way on I-95, near mile mark 97 in Chatham County, at approximately 2:15 a.m., struck his patrol vehicle head-on. Crapse had served with the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years and was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. His wife and three children survive him.

The Basic Law Enforcement Technical Certificate of Credit provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become competent law enforcement officers. The 18-week cohort program utilizes classroom instruction pertaining to criminal justice theory and the prevailing principles of modern law enforcement, as well as practical application of pertinent enforcement skills. College coursework contains the entire Georgia Peace Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course so that successful completion of the program will qualify the student to be a state-certified peace officer.

For more information about the Peace Officer Academy, please contact Claire Pimentel at 912.443.5191 or cpimentel@savannahtech.edu.

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Peace Officer Academy Contact:
Claire Pimente:l 912.443.5191 or cpimentel@savannahtech.edu.

Media contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR: 912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1360 | May 2, 2013

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College Historic Preservation students recently completed 35 cast metal finials for the Smithsonian Institution.

Students in the College’s Advanced Preservation Skills class created finials or spear point replacements for damaged window grilles, originally installed in 1881 at the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

To create the spear points the students made 14 sand molds, mixing sand with resins to harden the mold. Students used a template made by Enberg Mold and Tool in Kingsland, Ga. The class poured the steel into molds at Carolina Metal Casting in Hardeeville, S.C. Then, students removed extra metal, known as gating, from the pieces. Finally students filed them down and painted them with a rust inhibiting primer.

The College was invited to assist with this project by a Smithsonian representative, who visited the Savannah campus last year for the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) Stained Glass window workshop. Sharon C. Park, the Smithsonian Institution’s associate director for architectural history and historic preservation, was impressed with Savannah Tech’s students’ metalwork for fencing.

“The historic preservation profession needs programs such as the one at Savannah Technical College that can train the next generation of crafts persons,” said Park. “The Smithsonian was pleased to have the metal spear points made by the students to help us restore our 1881 National Historic Landmark Arts & Industries Building.”

This was one of the three projects for the Advanced Preservation Skills class this semester. Students also built a dry-stone wall on campus and created stained glass ornaments and metal hooks for a College fundraising event.

Savannah Tech has the only public hands-on preservation program in the state. The program has gained international recognition and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. The program is the cornerstone of new instructional programs in Green Building Technology, which focuses on a comprehensive view of systems and efficiencies in construction.

For information about Historic Preservation at Savannah Technical College, contact Steve Hartley at shartley@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864.

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Historic Preservation Department Head: Stephen Hartley
shartley@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864
www.facebook.com/STCHistoricPreservation

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR

912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu