Hear the word “engineering” in Georgia, and you most likely think of Georgia Tech, which houses the nation’s largest school of engineering. But there’s more than one way to get into the engineering field.
Just ask the engineering technology students at North Georgia Technical College, who are working toward an associate degree. Thanks to a recent articulation agreement between Southern Polytechnic State University and the Technical College System of Georgia, many will go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil, electrical, industrial or mechanical engineering technology.
Engineering technologists take a more applied — rather than theoretical — approach to engineering and work alongside engineers to develop and produce products, processes or systems.
Georgia needs both types of engineering talent to support its growing manufacturing sector. Baxter International, Starbucks, Caterpillar, Gulfstream, Kia and Mohawk Industries are just a few of the companies that are building plants or expanding operations — and adding jobs — in Georgia. Last year (for the first time since they began tracking it), Georgia manufacturers insourced more work than they lost to other parts of the country or world, according to the 2012 Georgia Manufacturing Survey.
Georgia manufacturers need a competent and skilled work force and that’s what the university and technical college systems are turning out.
“We started an engineering technology program in 2011 because of a perceived need in the market. That’s how all our programs start,” said Gail Thaxton, president of North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville. “Our community advisors of business leaders tell us the skill sets that they need.”
The program began with 24 students and now has 49 students enrolled. Lead instructor Elwin Northcutt recently established a student chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers on campus.
“We haven’t graduated our first class yet, but there are three engineering firms in the area and some of our students have already gotten jobs,” Northcutt said. “I’d say that we’re in high cotton with this program. It’s been eye-opening for me to see its value. When you think about it, every product we touch was designed and developed by an engineer.”
After completing courses in general science, technology and math , engineering technology students can specialize in electrical , industrial or mechanical engineering technology. They also learn CAD (computer-assisted drawing) and other essential skills.
Thaxton believes North Georgia Tech offers several advantages to students interested in engineering technology. Unlike most technical colleges, the school is a residential campus and can house students.
“We’re a small college, so students can expect a high level of instructor support in their core and technology course work,” she said. “We offer access at a very affordable price.”
Tuition runs about $5,610, with books and supplies averaging $1,500, for the degree program.
“We know that there is a niche in the market for two-year engineering technology graduates, with starting salaries around $41,000 or $42,000, but some of our students will go on to earn their four-year degrees at Southern Poly, thanks to the articulation agreement,” Thaxton said. “A four-year degree will make them more promotable and bring higher salaries.”
Technical college students are allowed to transfer 61 credits (or 18 courses) toward their bachelor’s degree, and Southern Poly is committed to teaching some classes on the Clarkesville campus.
“We know the prospects for our students are high,” Thaxton said. “Professional engineering societies are saying that jobs and salaries are increasing.”
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