Savannah Tech honors GPA with Opportunity Award

Savannah Technical College has honored the Georgia Ports Authority for its economic impact and commitment to workforce development, presenting GPA with the college’s Opportunity Award at a gala event on April 3.

“We are grateful to accept this award on behalf of the men and women who work at Georgia’s ports, supporting business and industry across our state and the entire Southeast” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “Savannah Tech is a wonderful resource for GPA and the entire logistics community, preparing people to enter the workforce with needed skills.”

Offering nearly 150 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs, Savannah Technical College is the premier provider of career-ready technical education and workforce development in Coastal Georgia. Campuses serving Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties offer credit and noncredit courses in areas such as automotive and aircraft technology, information technology, precision manufacturing and economic development.

“Students benefit from our close relationships with employers such as Georgia Ports. In our classrooms and labs, students gain hands-on experience that helps ensure success in the workplace after graduation,” said Savannah Tech President Dr. Ryan W. Foley. “We proudly partner with area businesses to create successful workforce development programs that benefit our students, local industry and the communities we serve.”

GPA has partnered with Savannah Tech for several years. The college helped develop a training curriculum for port terminal equipment and provides commercial driver’s license (CDL) training for members of GPA’s Container Operations department.

“Our partnership with Savannah Tech has provided a stronger talent pipeline and enhanced skill development for our employees,” said GPA Chief Human Resources Officer Lise Altman. “By teaming up with the college, we are able to align training with business needs, establishing a workforce development program that helps drive our long-term growth.” Georgia Ports employs approximately 1,780 employees.

In addition to its CDL program, Savannah Tech supports the logistics industry through certifications for forklift operation, diesel mechanics and welding. The technical college also offers a logistics management associate degree.

The Opportunity Award Gala, hosted by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, recognizes leaders dedicated to creating opportunities for others to thrive.

To support workforce development, the Georgia Ports Authority hosts an annual internship program for college students, while its YES program provides mentoring and job opportunities for recent high school graduates seeking to start a port career.

The Savannah Technical Foundation chose GPA not only for its commitment to the workforce, but the pivotal role the ports authority plays in advancing Georgia as a global logistics leader and a top state for business.

Port activity supports nearly 610,000 jobs in Georgia manufacturing, agriculture, retail and other industries, yielding $40 billion in payroll for workers across the state.