Fast-tracking careers at TCAT Smyrna campus: An in-depth look at the most popular program

SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) — From a five to 20-month program, young adults in Smyrna are fast-tracking their careers through technical education.

News 2 went to Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Murfreesboro where more than 87% of students are getting a job in their field of study.

“The technical field is very, very important for the future. And this is the future behind me,” explained Rodney Douglas, senior trainer at TCAT under Nissan workforce development.

Douglas is focused on the future of these young adults, as well as the industrial electrical maintenance industry. “I’ve been doing maintenance for the past 28+ years and I’m glad to pass the torch on.”

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For nearly three decades, Douglas has worked for Nissan. He transitioned into the classroom as an instructor several years ago.

“TCAT and Nissan have been in partnership since 2015. It was the first in the state to come together between industry and education,” said Jason Stanley, Senior Manager for manufacturing workforce development for Nissan.

Stanley said it’s one way to make sure the workforce meets the needs of the future as the industry continues to evolve.

“At TCAT we are workforce development. What we do is specialize in technical education where students are getting here and getting applied education towards the career that they want to earn,” said Patrick Wade, President of TCAT Murfreesboro.

At the TCAT Smyrna campus, the industrial electrical maintenance program is one of six programs and one of the most popular. Many of these young adults go on to work as electricians, engineers, or in maintenance.

“85% of the students that start TCAT complete on time and 87% of those students get a job or placed in the field of study,” Wade said.

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According to Wade, the success rate is largely in part of the demand for skilled jobs all across the state. “All the programs that we offer are in demand and one way we find out is because we want to be involved with all of these industries that are involved with the programs that we start up.”

So when it comes to the future, Douglas said we are in good hands. “They are getting all the training they need to move forward in life with these types of jobs,” Douglas said.

In the past year, more than 320 students have received a certificate or diploma with zero student loan debt at graduation.

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