Nashville Native Joseph Jolly Achieves Career Success Through SGTC Programs

October 24, 2024
Joseph Jolly has translated his training at SGTC into an exciting career with Cool Runnings International.
Joseph Jolly has translated his training at SGTC into an exciting career with Cool Runnings International.

Joseph Jolly, a Nashville, Tennessee native, was encouraged by his parents to pursue higher education after being homeschooled. Drawn to South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) by his interest in industrial mechanics, Jolly enrolled in the Industrial Mechanical Systems program in January 2022 and graduated in May 2023.

Upon arriving at SGTC, Jolly prioritized his education, eventually graduating from three programs: Industrial Systems in December 2023, and Electrical Systems Technology and Electrical Construction Technology in May 2024.

For his outstanding work as a student, Jolly received the South Georgia Technical College Foundation Nadeen Green and Ned Cone Scholarship.

In addition to his studies, Jolly worked full-time for SGTC as a maintenance technician for six months.

Cynthia Carter, SGTC’s Career Services Director, highlighted Jolly’s success as an example of graduates finding in-field employment. When Jolly began his job search, he turned to Career Services for assistance and is now employed by Cool Runnings International, a leader in refrigeration installation and cold storage solutions, based in Washington state. Jolly currently travels across the U.S. working on electrical wiring projects for the company, having started as a maintenance technician.

Jolly’s connection to Cool Runnings came through a recommendation from his former SGTC dorm mate, a Drafting Technology graduate who also works for the company. “He draws blueprints, and I do the work,” Jolly said with a smile.

Jolly enjoyed his two years at SGTC as a residential student and Resident Assistant. He was actively involved in the Student Government Association and was a member of the National Technical Honor Society. Patrick Owens, one of Jolly’s instructors, described him as an excellent student who was always willing to learn and help others.

Next month, Jolly will embark on his first international assignment in the British Virgin Islands and is currently awaiting his BVI working visa.

South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 programs to train workers for rewarding careers in high-demand fields. For more information and to apply for enrollment at SGTC, visit www.southgatech.edu.