From staff reports
USA – Approximately 50 John Deere Ag Technology students and their parents, families and John Deere dealers from the southeastern United States attended a special fall semester registration/orientation session at South Georgia Technical College in the Ag Technology classrooms and labs recently under construction at the Energy and Transportation Center.
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford welcomed the group and thanked each of them for choosing South Georgia Technical College and the Agricultural Technology Program for their education and career.
“South Georgia Technical College trains individuals for careers of a lifetime. Every one of you in this class knows there’s a job waiting for you with John Deere as soon as you enroll,” said Dr. Watford. And you repeat this cycle again in the next year and a half. Our job is to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen career.
In addition to a welcome from President Watford, SGTC Academic Dean Dr. David Finley, SGTC Vice President for Academic Affairs David Kuipers, SGTC Vice President for Institutional Advancement Sue Ann Bird, SGTC Vice President for Student Affairs Josh Curtain, and SGTC Special Programs Coordinator Tammy Blount Bird spoke to the group.
South Georgia Technical College agricultural technology teachers Matthew Burks and Wayne Peck introduced themselves to parents and students and gave an overview of the program.
The teachers shared with the students and parents the structure of the two-year degree program and outlined the expectations of the college, faculty and businessmen. SGTC Vice President of Student Affairs Josh Curtin discussed housing and security details for those planning to live on campus.
Students applying to this two-year associate degree program must be accepted by South Georgia Technical College, meet specific dealer requirements that include placement tests, and complete a portfolio before final acceptance. Students take a class at South Georgia Technical College for eight weeks each semester and then work at a dealership applying that class knowledge for the second eight weeks. They return to campus the following semester and repeat the process for two years. SGTC rotates cohorts of students in the first and second half of each semester so one group is on campus and one is in a classroom each semester.
John Deere dealers supporting the agricultural technology program at South Georgia Technical College include: Ag Pro, Blanchard Equipment, Everglades Equipment, Flint Equipment, Lasseter, SunSouth and Tri-Green Equipment.
For more information on how to enroll in the John Deere Ag Technology Program, contact SGTC Director of Admissions Candie Walkers at cwalters@southgatech.edu or 229-931-2394, or call your local John Deere dealer or www.southgatech.edu. A video explaining the SGTC program is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEqMIy-m-js&t=73s&ab_channel=SouthGeorgiaTechnicalCollege.
Matthew Burks, mburks@southgatech.edu and Wayne Peck, wpeck@southgatech.edu; They are ag technology instructors for South Georgia Technical College and can answer questions about the program. Tami Blount, tbount@southgatech.edu, can also assist with questions about the program and the registration process.
The fall semester at South Georgia Technical College begins August 18. There are over 200 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate credit programs available. Students can apply, test and register in one day. SGTC has a 99% job placement rate for graduates. Financial aid is available.
To apply, contact the SGTC Admissions Office at 229-931-2394 in Americus or 229-271-4040 in Cordele. A special registration/orientation day is scheduled for August 17 at 9:30, 1:30 and 5pm in the US and 9:30 and 5pm in Cordell.
