Creating Powerful Partnerships in Greater Chattanooga
Schools and local businesses partner to create talent pipelines.
Public schools are at the heart of workforce development efforts throughout Greater Chattanooga. In partnership with local businesses, these schools offer training programs to equip students with in-demand skills for high-growth industries.
The Hamilton County Construction Career Center, for example, opened in 2022 and offers construction training for high school and adult learners. Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee (AGC) works with Hamilton County Schools and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) to design a curriculum that offers students hands-on training and real-world experiences that make them employment ready.
“Instead of focusing on one or two trades, students going through the program will get a holistic understanding of the construction process,” says Leslie Gower, CEO of AGC of East Tennessee. Our members have said that if we can provide them with candidates who have 1,500 hours of construction training, five certifications in construction, OSHA 10 and who have had some work-based experience – those would be great employees for their business.”
AGC partnered with Hamilton County Schools to attract high school students who are pursuing a career in construction. Through that partnership, AGC has the capacity to train up to 160 students each year.
“Through our partnership with TCAT/Chattanooga State, we are reaching out to adult learners who are looking to pivot into a career in construction. Together, we’re creating a new pipeline of about 200 people each year that we’re training at the Construction Career Center who are ready to enter these career paths.”
Leslie Gower, CEO of AGC of East Tennessee
Workforce Ready
To help address workforce shortages, Bradley County Schools, along with community partners, developed the Partnerships in Industry and Education (PIE) Innovation Center, allowing students to earn college credits, obtain employment and participate in specialized training while still in high school. Students can choose from several in-demand career pathways, including mechatronics, welding, advanced health sciences and chemistry technology.
“The demand for a skilled workforce continues to grow in Tennessee. The regional PIE Innovation Center will address the skills gaps identified by local labor market data, creating a pipeline of talent for jobs that are currently going unfilled,” says Arlette Robinson, career and technical education director for Bradley County Schools. “Students within the PIE programs are provided with career-specific, work-related skills, including safety (OSHA 10), measurements, tools, processes and continuous improvement models in our four training labs.”
The PIE Innovation Center also partners with local businesses, such as Wright Brothers Construction and Chattanooga Center for Sports Medicine, to offer students work-based learning opportunities. The center is already drawing new businesses to the area, too, including SK Food Group, which is establishing a production facility in Cleveland.
“The PIE Center helps meet the needs of the businesses, industries and educational entities interested in collaborating through our mutually beneficial partnerships,” Robinson says.
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