SAVANNAH — Savannah Technical College has selected Joseph Powell as its dean of industrial technology. Prior to this position Powell was STC’s department head for drafting technology.

Powell will lead coordination and supervision of quality technical programs of study for the industrial technology division that include air conditioning, automotive collision repair, automotive technology, commercial truck driving, construction technology, drafting, electrical construction and maintenance, electrical utility technology, electrical/computer engineering technology, historic preservation, industrial systems, machine tool and welding/joining technology.

He has more than two decades of college-level instruction experience in drafting, manufacturing and engineering coursework. He is a member of the board of directors for the Screven Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the American Design Drafting Association.

He received a master’s degree in curriculum and technology from the University of Phoenix and holds a bachelor of science in technology education from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

Savannah Technical College’s Industrial Technology Division offers programs that prepare students for careers in manufacturing, welding, and technical and industry mechanics. The division’s faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the curriculum including hands-on laboratory environments, making learning a richly rewarding and engaging experience.

Classroom training combined with industry based projects prepare graduates to meet the demand of community employers.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, production occupations will grow more than 13 percent during the next decade — including industrial mechanics, machinists, welders, automotive technicians, electricians and equipment assemblers.