SAVANNAH — Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson, Savannah Technical College President Kathy Love and guests celebrated the grand opening Monday of STC’s Aviation Training Center.

“The new Aviation Training Center at Savannah Technical College will provide Georgia’s aviation industry with the highly-skilled workforce that they need in key areas like aircraft assembly and maintenance,” said Jackson. “President Kathy Love and her faculty and staff have worked closely with corporate leaders like Gulfstream to develop a model facility that will provide outstanding training for our students and place them in great careers in an industry that’s essential for Georgia’s future growth and economic development.”

The nearly 30,000-square-foot facility at STC’s Crossroads Campus has a 5,000-square-foot hangar, four labs designed and equipped for hands-on instruction and spacious classrooms. It was designed by James W. Buckley and Associates, Inc. and built by Pope Construction.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a tangible reminder of Savannah Technical College’s commitment to provide an assortment of programs tailored to meet the workforce needs of our region’s businesses and industries,” Love said. “With the opening of this facility, Savannah Technical College is answering the call of the aerospace industry for a workforce with specialized skills. Students who begin their training here will be on a pathway to great jobs and successful careers.”

Savannah Tech’s Aviation Division offers several programs of study for careers in the aviation industry. These programs include certificates and diplomas in aircraft structures manufacture and repair, luxury craft cabinetmaking, and aircraft electrical equipment repair and installation.

The college was recently approved to offer the Aircraft Upholstery and Trim Technical Certificate of Credit. The college is currently accepting student applications for this program scheduled to begin spring semester 2014.

The college is seeking FAA approval to offer programs that will provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified as airframe and powerplant mechanics.

The new Aviation Training Center will help STC meet FAA Part 147 requirements, which govern aviation mechanic schools.

For more information about Savannah Technical College’s Aviation Technology programs visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology.