State and local leaders came together on March 16 to congratulate the first graduating class of the Fiber Optic Boot Camp in Union County to be certified as fiber optics technicians in fiber optic installation.
The course was made possible through the Governor's Investment in Vocational Education, better known as the GIVE Grant.
Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Carter welcomed everyone and noted that for over four years, Union County Public Schools has been working to make sure that career and technical programs are offered that will help ensure jobs for our graduates.
He continued, “We are so thankful for this partnership with TCAT Knoxville and the GIVE Grant to accomplish this goal.”
He also congratulated Bryan Shoffner and his staff for all of their hard work to make this opportunity possible. In addition, he applauded Representative Dennis Powers, Tennessee Higher Education, the business partners, TCAT (Tennessee College of Applied Technology) Knoxville, and Governor Lee for recognizing the need for job training in rural counties. Lastly he thanked the students for their commitment and achievement.
Dr. Brandon Hudson also expressed gratitude to Governor Lee, the Tennessee Legislature, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the GIVE Grant and emphasized the partnerships for at-risk counties that are formed between business, higher education, and the local school system. According to Hudson, these partnerships will offer unprecedented access to good paying jobs and a better quality of life for all citizens in Tennessee.
Mitch Currey also represented the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and proudly photographed the ceremony.
Dr. Kelli Chaney, President of TCAT Knoxville, noted that all great jobs start with technical education. The nearly $1M will be used to offer technical education in Lineman certification, Diesel Mechanics and Fiber Optic Tech
Chaney further commented, “When industry and higher education collide great things happen both educationally and economically; and, TCAT Knoxville is always at the table every time to make these advances happen.”
Also on hand to represent TCAT was Quita Zerr, TCAT Recruiter, Sally Porter, TCAT Knoxville, Boyd Hestand, TCAT Student Counselor and Thomas Ranch, Fiber Optics teacher.
Rauch said that he taught this course nationwide and Tennessee is better organized and taking the lead in fiber optic training. He also complimented the students on their achievement as he awarded the certificates. Hunter Sims and William Suprenant, recent student graduates in fiber optic technology at TCAT Knoxville, acted as ushers and individually greeted and welcomed the students to the ceremony.
Setting an example for the graduates was Joshua Tharpe, UCHS Mechatronics teacher, who completed the course with a perfect score.
Tharpe joined eighteen students including Austin Western, Riley Cole, Gavin Graves, Kobe Dyer, Jacob Keck, Jacob Chaffin, Elliot Gibbs, Peyton Helms, Mason Scates, Eli Edds, Max Richardson, Brodie Roberts, Cadin Walker, Dylon Forsythe, Ethan Laughner, Ethan Powers, Ivan Vargas and Gavin Tharpe for the celebration.
When asked why they took the course, two students commented, “For the opportunity to be multi-certified and have a better chance to get a good job.”
A second class in fiber optics is already being trained and includes Lana Booker, another UCHS teacher, with the second graduation planned for the end of the week.
Mayor Jason Bailey congratulated the graduates and stated that he was glad to see this program come to Union County just as KUB, Powell Valley Electric and Scott County Electric are partnering with Union County to have fiber internet in every household.
These partnerships, made possible through the GIVE Grant, are being developed to raise awareness of high demand careers and the training required for these job options to offer educational post-secondary opportunities (EPSO) earlier in high school, to provide sufficient support services for success, and to correct any misalignment between education and workforce needs.
These objectives are to be accomplished by enhancing and expanding career pathway programs using a stackable credentials approach, developing and implementing a work-based learning continuum from elementary school to post-secondary certification and expanding access to industry-recognized certification preparation in NC3, OSHA and Fiber/Broadband for students and instructors.
TCAT Knoxville is developing long-term regional partnerships with Union County Schools, local industry and economic and development work force agencies to address Union County’s distressed community status.
Partly due to the GIVE Grant, a new dual-enrollment course in Power Line Construction & Maintenance will be offered in the Fall of 2022. The course will be in two parts: Lineman Helper Certification with 432 clock hours and Electrical Line Worker with 648 clock hours.
Business partners for the grant include Chris walker from Cherokee Millwrights, Isaac Collins from Bobcat of Knoxville, Bill Monroe with Clayton Homes of Maynardville, Gabriel Bolas of the Knoxville Utility board, Brad Coppock from Powell Valley Electric and Matthew Hill of Scott County Broadband.
These businesses have all agreed to advise UCHS Career & Technical regarding industry standards as well as agreeing to offer job placement to deserving applicants.
Chris Walker from Cherokee Millwrights applauded the GIVE Grant for elevating the status of “dirty jobs” and showcasing not only the necessity of well-trained trade workers, but also the high pay and benefits available to those who follow this path.
Walker stated that some of our best trained workers are graduates of TCAT because of the skills training and emphasis on work ethic that TCAT teaches.
Rounding out the audience were the UCHS Career & Technical Student Organization Officers and Instructors. Representing Skills USA in automotive were Seth Ward and Michael Buckner whose instructor is Tim Jinkins.
Officers for Skills USA in carpentry are Elliot Gibbs and Mason Scates with instructor Keith Nease who offered his “spiffy clean” lab for the ceremony. Kattie Emge and Kiera Nicely represented Skills USA in cosmetology with teachers Kim Malone and Crystal Johnson.
HOSA officers Jeremy King, Savannah Paul, Brooklyn Munsey and Aleiah Corunna represented instructors Debbie Sharp, Beth Edmonson and Stochia Brantley. For FFA and instructor John Fugate, Lakin Brock, Cade Ailor, Caden Walker, and Lauren Brantley completed the audience.
These student leaders along with Carmen Murphy, UCHS principal, other school staff and citizens smiled with pride and applauded these dedicated representatives of Union County's future.
Contact Union County High School regarding this or other career and technical programs at 865-992-5232 or email Quita Zerr for TCAT information: quita.zerr@tcatknoxville.edu.