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| 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.
