Student at Hawkins County Airport plans on aviation mechanics career

When Volunteer High School senior Tyler Williams graduates later this month he will continue working as an aviation mechanic at the Hawkins County Airport, a job he began as part of his school’s Work Based Learning program.

District Wide Work-Based Learning Coordinator Seth Rhoton said Williams wants to pursue a career in aircraft mechanics and is currently gaining valuable experience working at the Hawkins County Airport under the direction of airport manager Mark Finley.

Williams said this Work Based Learning (WBL) opportunity at Hawkins County Airport helped Williams realize his dream to work as an airframe and powerplant mechanic.

“He is passionate about this and will hopefully remain employed by Mr. Finley after he graduates this year from Volunteer High School,” Rhoton said. “Tyler is an amazing young man and Mark Finley is very excited to have him, and says he is absorbing so much information as well.”

WBL gives high school students an opportunity to gain work experience, school credit, and get paid all at the same time. There are already several WBL opportunities available to Cherokee and Volunteer students for the 2024-25 school year.

Rhoton noted that students are already able to get access to a Google form expressing interest in WBL for the upcoming school year at each of their schools.

They may reach out directly to Rhoton; Jessica Cope at Cherokee High School; or Greg Williams at Volunteer High School for more information about available WBL programs at their school.

Hawkins County Schools are also reaching out to businesses in and near Hawkins County that would be interested in hiring a student from the WBL program.

For more information businesses can contact Rhoton at 423-272-7629, Ext. 3403, or email: seth.rhoton@hck12.net