Hard work, determination, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities have led one South Georgia Technical College graduate to begin an exciting career aboard a maritime vessel. Cameron Gary Wilson, formerly of Snellville, Georgia, completed his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technology this summer and he is excited about the opportunities South Georgia Technical College has helped him secure.
“Cameron is a student who has an excellent work ethic and high character,” said SGTC Electronics Technology Instructor Mike Collins. “He is dedicated to learning electronics and always strives to excel in his classroom and lab assignments. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
Across America, there is a growing appreciation for people who choose to become “Doers & Makers” – individuals who solve problems, create opportunities, and improve the lives of those around them. These are the builders, innovators, skilled tradespeople, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare workers, farmers, artists, engineers, volunteers, and countless others whose efforts strengthen communities every day. They understand that meaningful progress comes not only from ideas, but from the willingness to put those ideas into action. Cameron Wilson is one of the South Georgia Technical College “Doers & Makers.”
Wilson, who was 21 years old when he enrolled at South Georgia Technical College is a classic example of a “Doer & Maker.” While attending college, he lived on campus. He was an active member of both the National Technical Honor Society and SkillsUSA, organizations that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and technical achievement. In addition to his studies, he worked part-time in the college's Business Office, balancing employment with a demanding academic schedule.
His desire was to utilize the skills he learned at South Georgia Technical College to land a position as a maritime electronics specialist. Now after earning both his Electronics diploma and associate degree, Wilson has accepted a position with a maritime company, where he will work aboard a ship applying the technical skills he developed during his education.
He must first complete the STCW Certification (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). This is a mandatory international qualification required for crew members, officers, and staff working on commercial ships, cruise liners, and superyachts globally. STCW certification requires completing four basic safety training modules – Personal Survival Techniques, Basic Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety/Social Responsibility.
As soon as Wilson completes this training, he hopes to shadow a Radio Electronic Officer aboard a large ship and advance to an Electronic Officer and continue to work his way up.
Wilson has already gotten a jump start on his new career by passing five elements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) test and receiving his FCC license before he even graduated from SGTC. “My instructor, Mike Collins, was a big help in preparing me to earn this license,” said Wilson.
Throughout the program, Collins taught students valuable troubleshooting skills by allowing them to work through hypothetical scenarios designed to simulate real-world equipment failures. Their task was to identify the fault, diagnose the problem, and make the necessary repairs—an experience that prepared his students for the challenges of the industry.
“That FCC license is a big achievement in the electronic communication field and technicians that have it are highly sought after,” explained Mike Collins. “Our Electronics Technology program prepares students to enter a career as an Electronic Technician. Electronic Technicians maintain, modify, troubleshoot, and repair electronic systems. These systems can be found in industrial, communications, medical, aviation, military, and consumer service fields.”
“I chose to look at a position in the maritime field because it is a good way to see the world for free,” laughed Wilson. “I didn’t just want to do the same thing day in and day out. I wanted the opportunity to continue to learn and earn a good salary.”
Originally Wilson enrolled in the Networking Specialist program at SGTC, he later made the decision to switch to Electronics after realizing it offered broader career opportunities outside of an office setting. The decision proved to be the right fit.
“Electronics is a career that is constantly changing,” said Cameron Wilson. “You use your mind as well as your hands and it is a career that can lead you in a lot of different directions. You can work on planes, cars, boats, heavy equipment, in the oil and gas industry, and just about any other field you want to pursue. If you get tired of doing one thing, you can easily shift to another industry, if you are willing to continue to learn.”
Wilson credits the HOPE Grant with helping make his education possible, allowing him to earn both his diploma and associate degree while preparing for a rewarding career. As he begins this new chapter at sea, he encourages future students to make the most of their educational opportunities.
"If you want something, work to get it," he said. "You will get out of it what you put into it. Be smart, listen to your parents and your instructors."
Wilson’s journey from campus classrooms and residence halls to a career aboard a maritime vessel demonstrates how dedication, hands-on training, and perseverance can open doors to rewarding careers for ‘Doers & Makers” in today's skilled workforce. And Wilson is graduating debt free as he enters the workforce.
Wilson is the son of Karen Edlen and Gary Wilson of West Virginia. His new position will be based in Norfolk, Virginia.
South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for Fall Semester. SGTC offers more than 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in today's workforce. Fall semester registration is August 13 and classes begin August 17. For more information and to apply online, visit www.southgatech.edu.
To learn more about the SGTC Electronics program, contact instructor Mike Collins at mcollins@southgatech.edu.