Friday, December 20, 2013

Skills USA Representatives meet with McKenzie Mayor


Terry Wilson-HVAC Instructor, Cole Lessenberry-HVAC Student, Jill Holland-McKenzie Mayor and Zach Price-IT Assistant
TN College of Applied Technology Skills USA representatives met with Mayor Jill Holland to discuss the “Drive for 55” for post-secondary education.  Currently, about 32% of adults have some type of degree in the state of TN, putting TN at 43rd in the nation.  The governor would like to see that number increased to 55% by the year 2025.
Mayor Holland met with Terry Wilson, HVAC/Refrigeration Instructor and SkillsUSA advisor, along with Cole Lessenberry, TCAT-McKenzie student and Skills representative and Zach Price, IT Assistant at TCAT-McKenzie and Skills representative, to discuss ways to help obtain the 55%.  One of the ideas discussed was to have TCATs visit local high schools to let prospective students know about the programs TCATs have to offer and the high job placement numbers.  Starting technical classes at a high school level to help students get a jump on their technical background was also discussed.

Mayor Holland had put together a packet to let prospective companies who may be considering moving into the area know what McKenzie has to offer.  TCAT-McKenzie was included in the packet, but Mayor Holland wanted more detailed information concerning the training programs, such as the students’ certifications and the skills students have obtained upon completion of the programs.  She wants to let businesses and industries know that because of the training TCATs offer, we have skilled workers within the community, as well as surrounding communities.
Mayor Holland also wanted more information on SkillsUSA.  Mr. Wilson explained how SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industries working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.  Mr. Wilson explained about the various competitions and how TCAT students consistently placed high at both the state and national levels.  Winners of SkillsUSA competitions are considered the best of the best and could possibly make the student more marketable for job opportunities.  The leadership side pushes the student to become more aware of their community and how to speak with political officials about current events in the community, providing the student with the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the community and make him/her and their environment better for the future.

There was also a discussion about city officials and TCATs meeting on a quarterly basis so that each can be aware of what industries may be coming to the community.  This will help TCATs know what type of training the school may be able to offer in order to meet with training needs, as well as keeping everyone on the same page to keep the students prepared for job opportunities.

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