Union County High School students have been given an outstanding opportunity through OSHA training. OSHA is a ten hour general industry outreach class which provides basic safety and health awareness for all workers. Students completing OSHA training are introduced to OSHA policies, procedures and standards. Furthermore, there is special emphasis placed on hazardous topics. UCHS students receive an OSHA general industry safety and health course completion card from the Department of Labor upon successful completion of the course. Another benefit of this training includes an industry certification which is one component of being a TN READY graduate. Moreover, students receive credit hours for TCAT if they choose to attend.

From August 16 through February 22, nine classes have been held at UCHS. This training has benefited a total of 250 students. Classes involved include: Health Sciences, Cosmetology, Ag Science, Automotive, Ag Mechanics, and Building Trades.

CTE Principal, Bryan Shoffner stated, “I am incredibly proud of the growth mindset this year. Last year, about 30 students completed OSHA training, so our goal as a CTE department was to increase the amount of industry certifications. I feel like we are definitely making great improvements.”

This training is provided by workers/trainers from United Steelworkers Local 9-288 located in Oak Ridge, TN. The Steelworkers are employed by and partnered with UCOR which is an AECOM led partnership. Billy Shaufer, United Steelworkers Local 9-288 President, explained that training was provided at no cost to students through a NIEHS-DOE (National Institute of Environment Health Science) Outreach Grant.