SWGTC's Winter Quarter Enrollment

Up by 17%

SWGTC students line up to pay fees for winter quarter.

Dr. Glenn Deibert, President of Southwest Georgia Technical College (SWGTC) has announced that enrollment at the College is soaring. “Our overall enrollment increased by 17% this winter quarter over last year,” said Dr. Deibert.

The goal of 1698 students set by SWGTC was surpassed this week with a total of 1742 students enrolling. “We have 252 more students registered this winter quarter than this same time last year,” said SWGTC Vice President for Student Affairs, Joyce Halstead. “We have continued to exceed our enrollment goals and have experienced increased enrollment quarter after quarter.”

“I believe one of the driving forces behind our continued increase in enrollment is that individuals are returning to college to learn new skills or enhance their existing job skills,” added Halstead, “This can be attributed in part to the current economic state of the county, but also to the fact that SWGTC offers the training that people want and need to be successful in today’s job market.”

Even in times of an uncertain economy, some career fields are still wide open with opportunities. “Skilled workers are in high demand no matter what the economic conditions are”, said Halstead “Many career fields such as welding, industrial electrical, heating and air conditioning, and many health care professions offer lots of opportunities even when the economy is slowing down.”

“Our increased enrollment is reflected across the board as far as our programs of study,” said Halstead. “We have several programs with new cohorts and this has helped increase enrollment in these areas.” Among those programs are Social Work, Pharmacy Technology, Surgical Technology, EMT, and nursing programs.

SWGTC offers programs of study in many of the fields that promise the best job availability and best pay. Many of the programs at SWGTC have a 100% job placement rate, which is very encouraging news for today’s workforce.

SWGTC offers training in more than 80 programs and many can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. “When people enter college to learn new skills or enhance existing skills they want to be able to enter the work force as quickly as possible. Many of our programs can be completed in less than two years,” said Halstead.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships to students at SWGTC. “With all of the financial aid available at SWGTC, many students will be able to complete their education with very little out of pocket expense,” said Halstead.

Dr. Deibert also recommends that individuals sign up to take the Georgia Work Ready assessment tests and take advantage of GAP training offered free by the state of Georgia. “By taking the assessment tests, workers will have yet another tool in helping with their job search. The assessment tests show potential employers what your strengths are and prove that you are qualified and ready to go to work for them.”

More information on enrolling at SWGTC may be obtained by calling 229-225-4096.