August 19 marked the first day of classes for the 2024 Fall Semester at Ogeechee Technical College (OTC). As the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) continues to grow, OTC anticipates a rise in enrollment for the fourth consecutive semester.
“It is an incredible time to be in technical education. Our enrollment grew 11% last year, and we expect to see another increase this fall,” said Christy Rikard, VP for Student Affairs. “The pandemic created hardships for many families in our community, but it also highlighted how obtaining a certificate, degree, or diploma through a technical college can lead to a sustainable career.”
OTC offers over 100 programs, including those in critical fields like automotive, commercial truck driving, cybersecurity, manufacturing, and healthcare, all of which continue to see growth. Recently added programs, such as the Associate of Science in Nursing, the Electric Vehicle Professional TCC, and Film & Television Production, are addressing the region’s critical needs and supporting the expansion of industries within the state.
A driving force behind ushering in a new contingent of young skilled workers is the Accelerated Career program. The program offers qualified students a unique path to high school graduation where they can simultaneously earn a high school diploma and college credentials in a specific career pathway. Students complete nine high school courses and two certificates or a diploma from OTC.
“The Accelerated Career program is an amazing pathway that gives students an opportunity to go to work straight out of high school. The most popular pathway is welding, but programs range from healthcare, education, computer information systems, to automotive technology,” said Rikard.
In addition to traditional enrollment, OTC serves thousands through contract training and continuing education. The college also helps adult learners earn high school equivalencies through its Adult Education program. In November 2024, OTC will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Georgia Industrial Systems & Robotics Training Center, which will triple its current training capacity in the fields of automation and robotics.
“Our college boasts one of the highest service area market engagement rates in the Technical College System of Georgia,” said OTC President Lori Durden. “This is a testament to the strength of technical education and the importance of training a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of business and industry in southeast Georgia.”
As OTC continues to evolve and expand its offerings, the college remains committed to providing high-quality technical education that meets the needs of both students and employers. With a robust array of programs and a clear focus on innovation, OTC is poised to play a vital role in the economic and workforce development of the region.
