Savannah Tech graduate lands job in hot field with cool employer
Savannah, GA – Harry Garvin had multiple job offers before he completed coursework for an associate’s degree in Industrial Maintenance Systems. He credits his success to training from Savannah Technical College and working part-time in a manufacturing setting, while earning his degree.
Tonight, Garvin will be one of nearly 275 graduates receiving degrees, diplomas and GEDs at STC’s commencement ceremony at the Savannah Civic Center. The College has awarded 388 degrees and diplomas for students that completed coursework from summer 2016 through spring 2017. Also, 275 GED diplomas have been earned during that time.
Garvin began his college career as a dual enrollment student during his last semester at New Hampstead High School. He wasn’t sure which career, so he started by enrolling in general core courses. His first college courses, Psychology and Public Speaking, were needed for his associate degree in Industrial Maintenance and transfer to any University System of Georgia institution.
“Harry was an excellent student with a great work ethic,” said STC Industrial Maintenance Systems Department Head Travis Wright. “His willingness to go the ‘extra mile’ will take him far in life. I wish nothing but the best for this young man.”
Garvin wanted a career that would always be in demand. He selected Industrial Maintenance Systems because it was a “hot field” and “electrical and mechanical skills are in demand,” said Garvin. “Even if robots are needed to do a job, they will need someone to fix the robots. There will always be a need for electricians and mechanics.”
While enrolled at Savannah Tech, he worked part-time as a forklift driver in an industrial plant to gain manufacturing experience. He wanted to graduate with not only associate degree, but also experience. From his forklift, he saw electrical equipment in action. This experience gave him a head start to become familiar with an industrial environment.
He posted his resume on Indeed and received multiple job offers. He found his job in a “hot field” as an Electrical/Mechanical Technician with a cool employer, Imperial Frozen Foods, and loves what he does.
Garvin suggests other students gain experience with an apprenticeship to work in an electrical or mechanical field. “Then graduates will already have experience under their belt when they complete their associate degree and apply for a job,” he said.
Required maintenance of machinery is vital to the production of manufactured goods. Those employed as industrial systems technologists are trained in fluid power, programmable logic controls, electricity, mechanics and other specified areas of machine functionality. Industrial Maintenance is one of Georgia’s high demand jobs that qualify for the HOPE Career Grant. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/IndustrialSystems
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1824 | June 14, 2018
Industrial Maintenance Systems/Industrial Technology Academic Advisor:
Secene Dorsey (912.443.5859 or ssdorsey@savannahtech.edu)
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu
A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.
Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Savannah Technical College complies with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.