Hands On Program In Hamilton County Will Prepare Future Construction Workers
Image Credit: U.S. National Archives / Public Domain
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A new training center in Chattanooga that will prepare future construction workers for the field is scheduled to be completed in July. Classes will start in August and will provide training in all types of construction. Officials are confident that it will be a model for other schools in the future.
Governor Bill Lee’s newest education initiative would provide $550 million for such vocational education programs. Tennessee has a shortage of workers who have technical skills and these funds could potentially help train more people.
High school graduates who choose not to attend college can opt for vocational training instead and learn technical skills. Hamilton County ranks the 4th highest in enrollment in TCAT in the state. While that sounds like good news, certification numbers remain low. With 23,000 students enrolled in a TCAT in Tennessee last year, only 7,000 actually became certified.
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Governor Lee’s proposal is still under discussion at this time but Leslie Gower who is overseeing the Chattanooga school project is hopeful nonetheless that the program will be a recipient of the earmarked funds.
Gower spoke of future needs the state will be facing before long. “There’s a dire shortage of construction workers. So we estimate that by 2028, we’ll have a need of 3 million employees.”
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
