I recently sat down with the Director of Schools, Dr. Jimmy Carter, Union County High School’s CTE Director, Brian Shoffner, and Union County High School Teacher, Danny Satterfield, to talk about a new and exciting program called TCAT. The funny little acronym stands for Tennessee College of Applied Technology. TCAT is a post-secondary educational opportunity for graduating high school students as well as adults with a high school diploma or GED wanting vocational training.

The curriculum will be based on community interest with courses in welding, HVAC, electrical, cosmetology, plumbing and OSHA 10 just to name a few possibilities. The exact courses offered will be determined by an online survey. Since the curriculum works closely with the high school’s CTE program credits are transferable. On average, it will take sixteen months to complete the program. Once completed, students will earn a diploma and certifications in their field of study.

The TCAT program will be offered during the evenings at Union County High School in the CTE area. Currently, there is a waiting list for every TCAT program in the state. By bringing TCATs to Union County, students wanting to further their education no longer have to wait a year to start the program or drive out of the area.

With Tennessee Reconnect and Tennessee Promise funding, more citizens have the opportunity to further their education and develop the skills employers are looking for. Highly skilled workers are key to attracting new businesses to Union County and creating local jobs.

“I just think it’s an opportunity for our community to advance our county, to have a stronger work force that brings in industry that benefits everybody in the county. It’s a matter of us working with the county government and preparing a work force that enhances our opportunities in getting some type of manufacturing inside the county,” said Dr Carter.

The school system has setup a simple survey to find out what courses Union County citizens are interested in. You can take the survey online or at your local library.

Take the online survey at https://sites.google.com/ucps.org/communitysurvey