The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) at 241 Vo Tech Drive in McMinnville is expanding to meet the future needs of area students and industry. Prior to the corona-virus pandemic, TCAT student enrollment reached 380 plus another 30+ at Warren County High School (WCHS) in dual enrollment.
This is the highest TCAT enrollment in several years. During the pandemic, all TCAT classes have been conducted on-line. The next key dates for TCAT is May 18, the beginning of the summer trimester, and Sept. 1, the beginning of the fall trimester. New TCAT programs are:
1. Machine Shop Technology – WCHS: Boosted with a $1 million GIVE Grant, this new program will benefit with the $1 million in new equipment aimed at expanded labs at the WCHS CTE wing, including the latest in CNC machinery. TCAT will have a student capacity of 24-30 over two class periods starting in August. BRAC will host a tour of this program at our Sept. 10 BRAC meeting. TCAT has student waiting lists currently with industrial maintenance, welding, nursing, and machinists. This new program will provide a launch pad for students wanting to acquire advanced skills in machining. The $1 million in new equipment is all on order and starting to be lined up for delivery.
TCAT is currently recruiting and interviewing for an instructor for this WCHS program. They are also seeking a success coach who will support desired program growth with marketing collaterals plus communications with industry, parents, and students. Having a success coach was part of the grant process and expected by the state of Tennessee.
2. Culinary Arts (Evening – WCHS): This new dual enrollment program began last year and has 8 students enrolled. Culinary arts at WCHS is a well-established, upscale program with the latest in equipment and processes.
3. Industrial Maintenance/ Cos-metology – Manchester: TCAT is now in its third year of offering training programs in the Manchester Industrial Park. The two programs are running at full capacity status with strong industry support.
4. Construction Trades – WCHS: Another dual enrollment program being evaluated at WCHS is construction trades. A decision on this option is expected by the January 2021 trimester.
5. Water Treatment Program: TCAT has been asked to consider offering a training program in water treatment to address desired skills from water utilities in Tennessee due to retirements.
6. TCAT-McMinnville Expansions: Under consideration for expansion within existing facilities will be cosmetology, industrial maintenance, and air conditioning, the latter one being a new program.
The most current student placement rate is 88%, led by 100% in nursing, 100% in automotive technology, and 100% in industrial electricity. TCAT’s course completion percentage this year is 80%.
It is worth noting again the tremendous offering at the WCHS – CTE department as of the fall semester 2020 as follows:
Mechatronics - $1 million in advanced automation devices
Robotics - $500,000+ in advanced robotics
Welding - $600,000 with ten complete welding booths with ventilation
Machine Shop Technology - $1 million GIVE Grant ready to go
Culinary Arts - $300,000+ in latest kitchen technology
Technology Mobile Labs - $200,000+ in mobile technology labs
This lineup is believed to be the finest in the state of Tennessee in investment, scope, and technology. This did not happen overnight.
Congrat-ulations are in order for all involved, especially CTE director Tracy Risinger. This training array is ideal for area industry as well as students desiring good paying jobs/careers.
It is easy to see how important TCAT at McMinnville is with higher education in Warren County. Warren Laux and his team are good listeners and very willing to undertake new opportunities and challenges. The $1 million GIVE Grant success is a definite milestone for Warren County.
