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Savannah Tech Welding Gains National Certification for Training

#1330 | December 17, 2012

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Welding Department was recently designated a Level 1 and Level 2 SENSE school by the American Welding Society (AWS). SENSE or Schools Excelling through National Skill Standards Education establishes standards and guidelines for welder training.

   “We worked tirelessly with AWS through both our student chapter and our instruction curriculum to become recognized nationally for SENSE accreditation,” said William Burns, department head for STC Welding and Joining Technology. “My staff has met and exceeded the rigorous guidelines set forth by AWS for more than two years to achieve SENSE School Status.”

   SENSE training has three levels: Entry Welder (I), Advanced Welder (II) and Expert Welder (III). Upon successful completion of each level of the standards and guidelines, students may test to receive a certificate of completion. Level I is designed for entry level training. Level II is designed for two-year career and technical education programs or for those with welding experience. Level III is for those in four-year programs or those with advanced experience.

   “It’s important for our students to understand and uphold industry regulations once they enter the workforce, which is why our student chapter has been so active throughout the region,” said Burns. “We are proud of our students for engaging local industry partners through information sessions, student interaction, and internship opportunities.”

   AWS is a not-for-profit membership organization that is the world’s authority on safe, productive welding. The society publishes the major technical standards used in welding of all types, and certifies welding professionals such as inspectors, supervisors and educators. In addition, AWS publishes technical magazines in three languages and operates trade shows in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The organization currently serves nearly 70,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and student chapters.

   A career with unlimited potential, Welding and Joining is the backbone of manufacturing and leads the way during economic recovery. The Georgia Department of Labor notes welding and joining careers will increase by 15% or more over the next decade. The need for new welders hasn’t gone unnoticed by local employers. With proactive industry partners like JCB and Mitsubishi, STC has developed multiple internship tracks for new and current students. Advisory Board Members for the Welding and Joining department such as Pipe Fitters Union (Local 188), Iron Workers Union (Local 709), CST Coverings (formally Temcor), Savannah Tank, LMI Aerospace, and CSX – also work closely with instructors for new and updated course offerings, shaping the program to fit the needs and expectations of local businesses. Savannah Tech offers a diploma in welding and joining along with technical certificates of credit in a variety of techniques for welding. Welding and Joining Technology is offered at the Savannah campus and at a new welding lab near the Effingham campus in Rincon, Ga.

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Welding & Joining Department Head:
Williams Burns
wburns@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
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.