At an age when many students are just beginning to explore potential career paths, Franklin Walker has already achieved a major milestone, earning his Auto Collision Repair Diploma from Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) while still in high school. Walker graduated from Colquitt County High School in May 2024 and has his eyes set on a bright future in the automotive industry. Through the college's dual enrollment program, Walker was able to get a head start on his future, immersing himself in both academic courses and hands-on training in SRTC's Auto Collision Repair program.
Dual Enrollment is a program that allows high school students to maximize their education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit at the same time. Some students may choose to enroll fully into a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit program, or they may opt to just take a few courses. SRTC continues to maintain one of the largest Dual Enrollment programs in the state, with over 2,000 students taking advantage of the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.
Walker's journey began when he enrolled in core classes at SRTC. He earned credits in English, US History, and College Algebra as well as occupational skills in Auto Collision Repair including painting and refinishing techniques. Over the next six semesters, he steadily worked his way through required courses like Auto Collision Repair and Automotive Welding, racking up the credits needed for his diploma.
One particularly memorable experience for Walker was a project where he and two classmates crafted custom designs on the hood of a car, allowing them to flex their creative muscles along with their technical skills.
The Automotive Collision Repair Diploma program at SRTC is designed to prepare students for future careers by developing academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills. Now, as a recent high school graduate, Walker has his sights set on the future. His immediate plan is to continue his education by pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Ultimately, however, his goal is to channel the passion for auto repair he's cultivated at SRTC into owning his own automotive business one day.
When asked what inspired him to pursue his auto collision repair diploma in the first place, Walker explained, "I wanted to be able to work on my own vehicles and have a skill that could get me hired anywhere I go." Thanks to the dual enrollment program at SRTC, he's well on his way. For other high school students pondering their next steps, Walker enthusiastically recommends the dual enrollment path at SRTC.
SRTC offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get you quickly into your desired career, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of our students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205 - 3449.
Fall semester begins August 13. Don't wait, enroll today!