South Georgia Technical College earns top honors in national rankings

October 10, 2019
The Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Dealer’s Service Technology Diesel and Electric Power Generation programs are considered “trade” programs that have high income potential for graduates. However, these students earn an associate degree and are hired even before graduating.
The Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Dealer’s Service Technology Diesel and Electric Power Generation programs are considered “trade” programs that have high income potential for graduates. However, these students earn an associate degree and are hired even before graduating.

South Georgia Technical College may not be your granddaddy’s old trade school with its over 200 associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit offerings, but the college was ranked recently as the seventh best trade school in Georgia and one of the best 500 trade schools in the nation.

   “South Georgia Technical College is over 70 years old and is the second oldest technical college in the Technical College System of Georgia,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “However, we are still offering five of the original six programs of study that we did when we opened our doors in 1948 as South Georgia Trade and Vocational School. Those five original programs included Diesel Mechanic, Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Mechanics, Auto Mechanics, Radio and Television Repair which is now Electronics, and Cabinet Making or Construction Trades. The only original program we don’t offer is Upholstery Refinishing. And the reason we still offer these programs of study and more is because there are good jobs for the individuals with these skills.”

   South Georgia Technical College offers a variety of higher education and skills oriented programs that are centered around workplace training. “Our mission is to provide an educated workforce for this state,” said Dr. John Watford. “Instead of running away from our heritage, we embrace workforce education because our graduates are the individuals who keep our state and country running.”

   South Georgia Technical College graduates may be the first ones on the scene in the case of an accident, (EMT’s, police officers, firemen). SGTC graduates help keep the power flowing into homes and businesses in the case of the electrical lineworkers and Electrical Systems Technology professionals. Many of the health care professionals in the doctor’s offices and hospitals are SGTC graduates. The individuals who help design and build homes; repair cars and trucks; cook, serve, and own restaurants; keep aircraft maintained and operational; program and repair computers and other electronic machines; as well as care for children; keep machinery working; provide haircare services; and work in offices in a variety of areas; these are all products of a quality technical oriented education.

   “These are good paying careers that students attending South Georgia Technical College are preparing for,” explained Dr. Watford. “Our graduates get jobs and our community is a better place because of the training and expertise they learn here at South Georgia Technical College.

   According to Vocational Training HQ, “trade schools are making a comeback. For decades, a four-year college degree was synonymous with success. In today’s ever-changing world, that is no longer the case. Many high-paying careers are based on training from schools or colleges that teach trades.”

   Vocational Training HQ used a specific methodology in ranking schools such as their academics and selection of courses. The five categories used to rank the educational institutions were curriculum, faculty scholarships, program range, school reputation and online reputation.

   For curriculum, the academics in a specific discipline are weighed and compared against other schools as well as the advance industry and placement classes, experience of the faculty and related areas of study. The group also evaluated the educational background of the faculty, their years of teaching experience as well as subject experience, leadership, awards, and membership in trade organizations.

   The number of programs and degrees offered as well as the school’s reputation such as graduate placement, academic knowledge and the college’s online reputation through user reviews on sites such as Google, Facebook, Great Schools and others. The final category dealt with the availability of financial aid.

   Other colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia who earned the top rankings included: Columbus Technical College, Atlanta Technical College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Augusta Technical College, and North Georgia Technical College. For more information about the Best 500 Trade Schools in the United States visit: https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/best-trade-schools/.

   To learn more about South Georgia Technical College and the over 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs available, visit: www.southgatech.edu.

viation Maintenance, Avionics, and Aircraft Structural are three high demand career “trade” programs offered at South Georgia Technical College. These students have the opportunity to join Delta and other aviation industries upon graduation.
Aviation Maintenance, Avionics, and Aircraft Structural are three high demand career “trade” programs offered at South Georgia Technical College.  These students have the opportunity to join Delta and other aviation industries upon graduation.
Matthew Burks is shown above with several of the students enrolled in the John Deere Tech program at South Georgia Technical College.
Matthew Burks is shown above with several of the students enrolled in the John Deere Tech program at South Georgia Technical College.