JCB apprentice Devin Bass has been selected by Savannah Tech as the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student of the Year for excellence in the Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology program. Bass will represent Savannah Tech at the statewide GOAL competition in a highly competitive process involving academic success, community engagement and public speaking. Bass was nominated by his instructors and selected after interviews with a panel of business and community leaders.

“The entire JCB team is extremely proud of Devin. This achievement represents his hard work, knowledge, and leadership in helping other students succeed,” said Tonya Poole, vice president of Human Resources at JCB North America. “His diligence and integrity, coupled with the training he is receiving through the JCB Manufacturing Skills Apprenticeship Program, has prepared him to compete alongside other outstanding students in the statewide competition.”

Prior to his apprenticeship at JCB and enrollment at Savannah Tech, Bass served in the U.S. Army for five years, earning several commendations for outstanding leadership and service. He will graduate from Savannah State in the fall with an associate of applied science degree in Industrial Maintenance Systems and Precision Manufacturing.

“In preparing for the competition, the course work at Savannah Tech, along with the knowledge and hands-on experience I have gained from working at JCB has been invaluable,” said Devin Bass. “It’s an honor to represent our community at the statewide competition and I feel well equipped thanks to the teachers and mentors who have invested in me.”