By Susanne Reynolds

Special to The Post-Searchlight

With a shortage of electrical technicians about to be underway as a result of baby boomers retiring, Bainbridge State College’s Electronics Technology program is the best place for prospective electronic technician professionals to begin.

According to Kathy Ketterer, the Dean of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, regional industries have indicated that they have a great concern for locating qualified applicants to replace the retiring baby boomer generation.

“They are predicting shortages within the next five years,” she said. “This translates to Bainbridge State College beginning at the right place at the right time. We have an excellent program in two locations. We need to get students trained and ready to fill the need for these jobs.”

The Associates of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technology program is currently offered at both the Bainbridge campus and Early County site for accessibility and flexibility for the region’s students. Classroom based courses are offered during the day and evening.

To make the program even more accessible to students, web-enhanced courses are combined with the classroom experience. It is designed to meet the busy needs of today’s students.

The program prepares students for employment as electronics technicians and related employment positions. It provides learning opportunities which develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention and advancement.

It also emphasizes a combination of electronics technology theory and practical application necessary for successful employment, which includes manual and computerized electronics systems.

Assistant Professor of Electronics at the BSC Early County site, Claude Bell, stressed that the program is a great training program for those interested in virtually any level of electronics.

He said, “It’s a really great general training program for any career involving electronics. Our state-of-the-art facility assists us in effectively teaching these skills to our students. Whether you are starting your own business, aspiring to be an electronics engineer or needing help with various installations in your personal lives, this program covers it all.”

For employers, the program is also a beneficial way to train new employees.

According to James Strickland of Blakely, his decision to enroll in BSC’s Electronic Technology program was influenced by a number of factors.

“Since I am a resident of Blakely, it was very convenient to attend the Early County site,” he said. “After learning more about Bainbridge State and talking to individuals that had taken courses there, I enrolled. I began by seeking an electrical certificate. As I advanced I changed over to a degree in electronics.”

This past spring Strickland graduated with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technology—and he recommends the program and BSC to anyone wishing to advance in higher education and career opportunities.

He added, “Bainbridge State offered me a comfortable environment for learning with a very professional staff. Mr. Claude Bell and the other instructors in the electronics department provide an excellent learning experience that will enhance my electrical career. My time spent at BSC was well worth it and I would suggest it to anybody—especially younger persons right out of high school.”

For more information on obtaining a certificate, diploma or degree in Electronics Technology, contact Owen Elkins, program director located on the Bainbridge campus, at 229.243.4255, or Claude Bell, Assistant Professor of Electronics located on the Early County site, at 229.724-2415. To enroll at the Bainbridge campus, call the Office of Admissions at 229.243.6920 and for the Early County site’s Office of Admissions, 229.724.2431.