SAVANNAH, Ga. () — For some, a traditional four year college isn’t the best route to further their education.

Prospective students in our region have some great opportunities. Ranging from Okatie, South Carolina to Vidalia, Georgia, there are numerous technical school options across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

Savannah Technical College (STC) has long collaborated with local industries to identify the critical skills that future workers will require. These collaborations have enhanced STC’s courses and career pathways, as noted by Tal Loos, STC’s Vice President of Economic Development.

“Our main focus here is to do hands-on skill training. That is what I think is the basic driver of our economy,” Loos said.

From welding to automotive to nursing or dental hygiene, the college offers 150 market-driven programs.

“We urge companies to participate. This approach allows us to continuously update our curriculum to ensure we’re addressing current industry needs,” Loos stated.

STC’s Electrical Vehicle Professional program was created after the college partnered with Hyundai.

Savannah Tech has been selected as Hyundai’s preferred pathway to train and hire the workforce they need. An 18-month apprenticeship with HMGMA’s Equipment Maintenance Department is set to begin in June.

Enrollment numbers at technical colleges across our region have been rising since the pandemic.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry and Southeastern Technical College are examples.

“We are going full speed ahead in all of our programs. We do an audit of our systems every year to make sure that we’re offering competitive programs, things that are relevant,” Cynthia Cradduck, Assistant Vice President of PR and Marketing at STC, said.

Kay Thigpen is the department head of the college’s Dental Hygiene program, which is number one in the state. The program has a 100 percent graduation and employment rate.

“It’s 500 hours of direct patient contact over the two years. It’s a lot of being hands on with the patients,” Thigpen said.

Once those graduates are out in the workforce, Thigpen says the students are looking at competitive pay, around $45 dollars an hour.

The latest dental hygiene class is on their way to start their careers. The pinning ceremony for the group was held Friday, May 9.

“The classes were very difficult as far as getting into the program. Not many do. Many apply and not many actually get it. I consider it an honor that I actually was able to get in,” Marshanna Givens, STC dental hygiene student, said.