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

The eight men and eight women 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 29th group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated 380 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Many candidates are in various stages of the application process with statewide agencies. Twelve of the eighteen candidates have been hired by area police departments. Savannah Tech’s Peace Officer Academy has a 97% 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 honors Cpl. Luis Molina of the Savannah Police Department, who passed away on August 18, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, brothers & several nieces and nephews and dear friends.

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 visit

www.savannahtech.edu/PeaceOfficerAcademy or contact the office at 912.443.5191 or njones@savannahtech.edu.

The next class begins in March 2020.

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#2019 | November 15, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah, GA – Savannah Technical College’s Advanced Aviation Maintenance training offers an opportunity for active-duty military personnel and veterans with aircraft maintainer experience to advance their careers in 15 weeks or less.

The advanced Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) training prepares students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P Certification including written, oral, and practical examinations. With assistance from the Defense Community Economic Development Fund awarded earlier this year, the College has been able to offer A&P Certification testing at no cost to the students.

Using military tuition assistance, HOPE Grant and HOPE Career Grant, the only cost to these students would have been the three-part (written, oral, and practical) exam, which totals $1,080 each. By covering testing fees, the grant offers a cost-free pathway with flexible scheduling that limits the operational impact to military units and the financial impact for service members.

This summer, first cohort was in a condensed 10-week schedule for members of the 3^rd ID before they deployed. The College is currently offering three cohorts filled with aircraft maintainers and has tailored class schedules to work with their active-duty assignments.

“The $65,000 grant was originally written to support additional instructors and testing for 45 military-affiliated students,” said STC Dean of Aviation Tal Loos. “The College absorbed the additional instructor expense, so we could expand the grant for more students. We should have up to 60 students receiving assistance for testing fees to complete the grant’s funding.”

Military aircraft maintainers have the work experience and training, but often lack the certifications required to work in the civilian sector. Students must have 30 documented months of A&P work and FAA-approval/sign-off of that work experience to enroll in the advanced training program.

Students in the advanced class have an overall familiarity with aircraft to earn the FAA sign-off. “This training broadens their aircraft maintenance knowledge and gives them an understanding of the civil side of requirements and paperwork,” said Loos. “It fills in the holes of their knowledge with highlights, so they will successfully pass all four parts of the FAA A&P certification training.”

Aviation Ground Support Equipment Manager Angel Rivera is a member of the U.S. Army 160^th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) enrolled in one of the cohorts that is receiving the benefit of 100%-covered testing fees thanks to the grant.

“We don’t get a lot of opportunities to do these kind of certifications, so when I heard about it, I wanted to take action,” said Rivera, who worked with leadership to bring 10 soldiers from his unit into this cohort. “This training will get these guys certified. The A&P license is good for life and good in the military,” said Rivera. “It is a great credential to have if you plan on working on aircraft, and you can use it in a couple of different fields as well.”

Rivera is already screening the next group of soldiers, who work on rotary-wing aircraft like Blackhawks and Chinooks. “We have guys with 10 years aviation experience that still haven’t had a chance to do this,” he said. “All of my guys are experienced, so there’s a great need for this training. I can get 12 in every class all year round in my unit.” The biggest challenge is scheduling to make sure they will be state-side for 15 weeks to attend the class. He also noted that additional grant funds would allow more soldiers to take advantage of the benefits, without the out-of-pocket testing fees.

The College worked with the 160^th to schedule the class around their duty schedule, so they could be in class two nights and one Saturday.  The other two cohorts this semester are also offered based on the military group’s schedule.

“This certification gives them promotion points now, but also helps them on the way out,” said Rivera. “It gives them something to fall back on, and provides valuable certification they can use on the outside. They can step out to find jobs all over the world working on aircraft, which helps the economy.”

According to Loos, there continues to be great demand for A&P certification. “The average age of workers is 53-70 and many are retiring,” said Loos. “Soon we will lose 50% or more of the aviation mechanic workforce.”

Certified aircraft mechanics are in high demand throughout the nation with a 5% increase in job openings between 2016 and 2026. In Georgia, however, that increase is projected to be 12%. With a median income of more than $60,000 per year, completers of this program who have the highly-sought-after FAA A&P certification, as well as the work ethic and soft skills will seamlessly transition into the civilian aviation workforce.

The Military Affairs Council of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the College, was awarded $65,000 in grant funding through the Defense Community Economic Development Fund to support expanded curriculum and to cover the cost of certification testing for military aviation mechanics earlier this year. The fund is administered by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Office of Workforce Development. This funding allows for the expansion of training to prepare military members to earn the FAA Mechanic’s Certificate with A&P rating.

The College’s Aviation Maintenance program, for those without the required FAA 30-month experience, runs two years. Enrollment is open for spring semester for students to start taking required general core courses for admission into a cohort in the fall. STC’s Aviation division has an in-field placement rate of 100% based on academic year 2018 graduates.

STC’s state-of-the-art Aviation Training Center is located at the Crossroads Campus. For information about the College’s Aviation programs, call 912.443.4094 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology or www.savannahtech.edu/military-aviation-mechanic/.

The College has the highest military-affiliated enrollment in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). One in four STC students is a veteran, active duty service member or a military dependent/spouse. For the past three years, the College has been ranked the top Best for Vets public technical and career college in the U.S. by Military Times.

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#2017 | November 13, 2019

Aviation Technology Division:
912.443.4094 or aviation@savannahtech.edu www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology

Media: Amy Shaffer, APR
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH –Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute proudly offers Bistro Savoir, a pre-order sale of artisan breads and desserts for Thanksgiving. Pre-orders will be available through November 20, or when quantities are sold out at www.bistrosavoir.com.

Bistro Savoir features the finest quality ingredients that are locally sourced, milled and handmade by STC Baking & Pastry students enrolled in the Retail Production course this fall.

Artisan breads include pumpkin, apple honey walnut and zucchini muffins, dinner rolls (12), tart flambée, coffee cakes (apple or cherry) made with brioche dough, sourdough and Many Seeds German Bread. Popular flavored butters from previous sales (kalamata olive, honey and lemon herb) are back for the 2019 sale. Desserts include cookies (cowboy, oatmeal raisin, and chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons), pies (pumpkin, pecan, coconut cream, apple with streusel topping), and fresh fruit tarts. Cakes will be sold in six-inch or nine-inch sizes including dark/white chocolate mousse cake surrounded by almond sponge and raspberry, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, and Charlotte Russe (raspberry Bavarian crème surrounded by lady fingers and topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Proceeds from the sale benefit STC’s Culinary Arts Baking & Pastry program.

Orders will be available for pickup at the College’s Savannah campus on Tuesday, November 26 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., and Wednesday, November 27 from 9 a.m. until noon. By request only, pickup will be available at the Crossroads, Liberty and Effingham Campuses on November 27 from 9 a.m. until noon. For a pick-up schedule, a complete list of items for sale and to place orders, visit www.bistrosavoir.com.

Savannah Tech’s baking and pastry program that was developed by the College to teach the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students learn a variety of international and classical pastries and desserts using basic and advanced techniques, which meet industry quality standards.  Graduates are working as pastry chefs in the area’s finest restaurants and establishments, including Local 11 Ten, Le Café Gourmet, Savannah Yacht Club, and The Landings Club. There are 40 students are currently enrolled in the baking and pastry program.

With support from the Savannah Technical College Foundation, the College has purchased 7 West Bay Street as the new downtown location for an expansion of its Culinary Arts program that will more than double the available instructional space. Senior level (second year) students will take classes and work in the bakery and restaurant. The hands-on, real-world experience in the restaurant/bakery will allow students the opportunity to apply techniques learned in the classroom to practical use, complete a required field placement, and gain first-hand experience in restaurant operations. 

New students are admitted to the baking and pastry program year round. The application deadline for new students in spring semester 2020 is December 15. For more information about Culinary Arts at Savannah Tech visit: www.facebook.com/ChefJeanVendeville.

About the Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute
The Savannah Culinary Institute, an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary arts program, has been described as the “best in the U.S.A” by its ACF accreditation review board. According to the ACF committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

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#2015 | November 1, 2019

STC Foundation: Gail Eubanks
912.443.3022 or geubanks@savannahtech.edu

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

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College Historic Preservation students recently participated in the Preservation Trades Network International Trades Workshops and Conference in Stirling, Scotland, hosted by Historic Environment Scotland. The eight students attended workshops on timber framing, brick masonry and mortar repair, blacksmithing, scagliola, stone carving, roof thatching, and window restoration among other things. 

“Learning closely with master craftsfolk was an eye-opening experience,” said STC Historic Preservation student Mae Bowley. “Not only the high level of skill, but also the commitment to education for the next generation of craft practitioners, was powerful.”

STC Historic Preservation students Bowley and Shea Caruso presented a lecture on student involvement designing, developing and fabricating a collar repair bracket used to repair damaged historic markers. This bracket was initially designed to be used for the Troup Square “Jingle Bells” marker restoration in Savannah in 2017. A patent application has been submitted and is in the final stages of review for the collar bracket design.

STC Historic Preservation Department Head Benjamin Curran also presented at the conference during the Educational Symposium. Curran’s presentation addressed the key importance of the trades education to the preservation of our built environments.

“Having the chance to visit the UK for the 2019 International Trades Preservation Workshop really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said STC Historic Preservation student Caitlin Condon. “Not only were we able to learn new techniques, we were able to connect with other preservationists from all over the world and meet with the masters of the trades. The location only added to the experience, and the ability to take field trips to Doune Castle and Stirling Castle made the trip that much more fascinating.”

To augment student learning opportunities beyond the conference, students spent three and a half days in London, two days in Edinburgh, Scotland, and three days in Stirling, Scotland.

While in London students visited four of the most notable museums in the world; the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Gallery, and the Museum of Natural History. In addition to seeing some of the greatest pieces of art in human history, students also saw collections of artifacts representing the materials and methods that constructed some of the greatest cultures known to the ancient world. Students also visited Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Tower of London, St. James Park, and Piccadilly Square. Students were also able to see numerous examples of the Medieval, Tudor, Baroque, Georgian, Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture that influenced the development and evolution of American Architecture.

Students traveled by train to Edinburgh, Scotland where they explored the Old Town District, Edinburgh Castle, and hiked up Arthur’s Seat.

The 1772 Foundations awarded $5,000 in grant funds to support student travel. The Misia Leonard Scholarship awarded two $1,000 scholarships to STC Historic Preservation students Condon and Melissa Hollingsworth.

“Much thanks to Benjamin Curran for organizing this educational adventure,” said Hollingsworth. “And equal thanks to Savannah Tech for allowing us to represent our school and program on an international level. We interacted with professional preservationists who are at the top of their game and inspired us to follow their lead. Aye, they were a bonny clatch and we will do them proud!”

As the only public hands-on Historic Preservation program in Georgia and one of four in the U.S., Savannah Technical College has led the way in preservation education, specializing in training not typically held by construction workers. The program has gained international recognition and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. Traditional Building Magazine named Savannah Tech’s Historic Preservation program one of the nation’s Up and Coming programs.

STC’s spring semester starts January 13, and new students are encouraged to apply by December 15. For more information visit:www.savannahtech.edu/CenterTraditionalCraft or contact STC’s Historic Preservation Department Head Benjamin Curran at bcurran@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864.

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#2013 | October 23, 2019

STC Historic Preservation Department Head: Benjamin Curran
912.443.5864 or bcurran@savannahtech.edu

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

 

 

SAVANNAH- Savannah Technical College’s Professional Continuing Education Division is offering a public speaking workshop in partnership with Georgia Speech Coaching. Participants in this class will receive a combination of lecture and interactive hands-on practice of techniques covered in class. Key topics include decreasing your anxiety and fear, eliminating fillers, gaining the confidence to own any room and more.

The 1.5-hour public speaking workshop will be offered on Saturday, November 23 at the College’s Savannah Campus (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31406) from 10:30AM – 12:00PM.  Advance registration is $29 per attendee. The deadline to register is November 20. For more details call 912-443-3012 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/pce-publicspeaking .

The College’s professional continuing education division provides short-term classes in both the traditional and online classroom. Courses are available in a variety of skills and workforce development options that match local employer’s needs. The College also offers customized training solutions for businesses.

 

#2012 | October 21, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Hollywood Hills Sanitarium, Savannah’s newest “haunted house,” premiers with a double-feature on October 18, 2019, including an interactive, entertaining family experience (rated G) and a horror-filled haunted experience (rated PG-13) at Savannah Technical College (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA, 31406).

STC film production students have built sets, will create special effects makeup for horror heroes, and will star in the attraction.

The family-friendly experience includes a talking witch, singing pumpkins and fun for the entire family, starting at 6 p.m. The haunted nightmare rises from the dead at 8 p.m. starring horror movie icons with a psych ward of horrors, a haunted graveyard, a mad scientist, spinning vortex and more.

Hollywood Hills Sanitarium will be open Fridays and Saturdays from October 18 through November 2. Cash and cards will be accepted at the door. Admission is $10 for the family attraction (G), which will run 6-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $15 for the horror show (PG-13), which runs 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Proceeds will benefit student film projects.

Tickets will be discounted $2 for military with ID ($2), seniors (65+), or for a gently-used costume donation. Guests bringing a new full costume donation will receive a $5 discount for one ticket. Costumes will be distributed by Film Biz Recycling in conjunction with their costume drive.

To find the entrance, turn left after the White Bluff entrance and travel toward the south/Hunter AAF side of the campus. Look for an ambulance with lights flashing.

Props and special effects were donated by Alpha Props, AtmosFX and Film Biz Recycling.

Film Production Training at Savannah Technical College

STC’s on-set production assistant program is offered in collaboration with the Georgia Film Academy. The program provides an introduction to the skills used in on-set film production, including all forms of narrative media which utilize film-industry standard organizational structure, professional equipment, and on-set procedures. In addition to the use of topical lectures and instructional resources, the course includes demonstrations of equipment and set operations as well as hands-on learning experiences. Students learn film production organizational structure; job descriptions and duties in various film craft areas; film equipment functions and protocols; how the various film craft related to one-another on a working set as well as how and why they all must operate in sync; and networking and self-marketing skills.

Apply now for spring semester to start the two-semester on-set film production assistant program. This program is open to adult and dual enrollment (high school) students. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/GA-Film.

The projected film industry growth in Georgia during the next three to five years will generate 3,000 to 5,000 new jobs, and the average earnings for jobs on set are $84,000 a year. That’s why Georgia has launched the Georgia Film Academy, a unique-in-the-nation, statewide initiative to prepare Georgia citizens for these high demand careers. Film production students, who are eligible for or receive HOPE Grant funding, may also be eligible for funding from the HOPE Career Grant. 

About the Georgia Film Academy
The Georgia Film Academy is a collaborative effort of the University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia supporting workforce needs of the film and digital entertainment industries. The academy certifies workforce ready employees in needed areas, connect students and prospective employees with employers, and offer a unique capstone experience for top students that will provide them a path to employment in Georgia. Special partnerships include Pinewood Studios located in Fayetteville, Georgia.

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#2011 | (REV) October 11, 2019