Two years ago Johnathon Navas walked across the stage at Berrien High School, shook the hands of school administrators and walked off the stage a high school graduate.  While in high school Johnathon participated in the dual enrolment program with Wiregrass Technical College and earned college credit. He also took agricultural classes while in high school and that’s when he discovered welding.  “We learned how to weld farm equipment, and I knew then I wanted to be a welder,” shared Navas.

With the goal of becoming a welder and armed with his earned college credit through Wiregrass, Johnathon enrolled fall semester 2014 in the Wiregrass Welding and Joining Diploma program.  “Wiregrass was my first choice and the next step in my career plan,” stated Johnathon. Lucky for him the Governor had just announced the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant.  This grant recognizes specific industries where skilled and educated workers are in high demand in Georgia.  Wiregrass currently has 28 programs that qualify for the SIWDG. Students who are eligible for the HOPE grant may qualify for additional grants that could cover all of their tuition and fees.  Last semester Johnathon paid $80 out of pocket for college thanks to the SIWDG.

Johnathon now has a job with Coyote Manufacturing Company in Nashville where he works as welder, and attends college at Wiregrass in the evening.  While working and gaining skills needed for his job, he has earned six raises over the past two years.  When he graduates from Wiregrass this December with his diploma, he will be in line for another raise.  “Johnathon is a hard worker and has done well here in school, and in his job,” shared Mike Warmack, Wiregrass Welding Instructor.  “He has taken what he has learned with us and applied it to his job and has moved up.  We are all very proud of his accomplishments.”

There is a complete list of the 28 programs that qualify for the SIWDG program on the college’s website, www.wiregrass.edu.  Wiregrass will have their Free Application Day June 23 from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm.  Those interested in learning more about how the SIWDG could help them attend college in one of Georgia’s high demand fields can visit any of the four campuses that day and have their application fee waived.  Wiregrass has campuses located in Valdosta, Sparks, Fitzgerald, and Douglas.  Free Application Day is for those applying for Fall Semester; classes begin August 22.  For more information, visit the college’s website or call 229-333-2100.