Over 50 students graduated from the Savannah Technical College on Thursday, earning Technical Certificates of Credit in the fast track program. Some students were awarded the certificate for health fields and others for business and technology tracts.

The Technical school hires professionals in industries that match up with the programs they offer. These instructors provide guidance on how to educate students in the fields they are working to earn certificates in.

Dr. Kathy Love, President of Savannah Tech said to WSAV-TV, "All of our programs have an advisory committee, and that's industry leaders in whatever field the program is. They tell us what we need to teach, what we need to do better, what equipment to use."

Dr. Love added that the bad economy helped to increase enrollment within the college. With more people out of work, people are pursuing higher education or gaining certificates to be more flexible applicants.

"Due to the economy we've seen our enrollment sky rocketing, and with these technical certificates of credit, it's a great way to come in on a very short time and get the skills our employers need," said Dr. Love.

Students are seeing the program as a good way to earn quick qualifications for higher paying jobs. Jarrod Jones, a graduate at the college said, "I heard it was a great program, and they offer you a job opportunity after you graduate. Instructors really give you a lot of information and a lot of direction." Jones earned a certificate in gas metal arc welding.

For the 2011-2012 academic year, more than 1,200 students have completed technical programs at Savannah Technical College and have earned certificates in the various fields available at the school.