Ollie “Woody” Ferguson of Montezuma has been hired as a new full-time Diesel Equipment Technology instructor at South Georgia Technical College, announced South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. He will report to South Georgia Technical College Academic Dean Brett Murray and SGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Julie Partain. He is joining SGTC as a full-time instructor and will work with existing instructor Chase Shannon.
Ferguson is a graduate of the South Georgia Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology program. He has over 30 years of experience in the diesel field as an Owner/Operator and as an Equipment Operator/Maintenance technician.
“Ollie Ferguson brings a wealth of knowledge to the South Georgia Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology Program. He has been responsible for working in the field maintaining and operating heavy equipment as well as conducting job specifications and safety regulations and performing daily preoperational checks to ensure the proper functions of machinery and trucks and trailers. That practical experience will be an asset to our students,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “We welcome him to South Georgia Technical College and look forward to seeing him help Chase Shannon grow the Diesel program.”
Ferguson was the Owner/Operator of Woody’s Truck and Trailer in Montezuma since 2009. He also worked as an Equipment Operator/Maintenance employee for Heath and West Logging in Ellaville for nearly 20 years.
Diesel Equipment Technology is designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel equipment service and repair profession. Students develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required to acquire, retain, and advance in the field. The program emphasizes a combination of truck, heavy equipment, marine systems and emergency power generator repair theory and practical application. There are also specializations in this field of study.
Diesel service technicians and mechanics are in high demand and the employment outlook is expected to grow four percent in the next 10 years. The average salary for a Diesel technician is approximately $61,000 a year.
Students who are interested in pursuing a Diesel Equipment Technology diploma can enroll in South Georgia Technical College’s Fall mini-mester program. Classes start October 13th and this is a great way to get a head start on a new career. SGTC will host a registration day on October 6th for the mini-mester and for Spring Semester which begins January 13th.
For more information contact SGTC Diesel Equipment Technology Instructor Chase Shannon at cshannon@southgatech.edu or Ollie Ferguson at ollie.ferguson@southgatech.edu. Students can apply online at www.southgatech.edu by clicking on apply now or contacting the SGTC admissions department at 229-931-2760 in Americus and 229-271-4051 in Cordele.
Diesel Equipment Technology is included in the Hope Career Grant program that provides up to an extra $500 per semester in tuition and fees for HOPE grant eligible students. This is for students who enroll in select majors specially aligned with one of the 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them.