Top Rutherford County Employers Look to TCAT for Skilled Workers

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

Rutherford County’s workforce is constantly evolving, and at the heart of workforce development efforts is a powerful partnership between the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) and local industry leaders. With businesses facing an increasing demand for skilled workers, TCAT is stepping up to the challenge, providing hands-on training and career pathways that keep the local economy thriving. 

Bridging the Talent Gap

For growing businesses, finding skilled workers isn’t just a priority, it’s a necessity. That’s where TCAT comes in. By working with local companies, TCAT ensures students gain the knowledge and experience needed to step into in-demand roles as soon as they graduate. 

“We work hand in hand with employers to develop programs that meet their specific workforce needs,” says Patrick Wade, president of TCAT Murfreesboro. “The key is understanding what companies like Nissan and Oshkosh Vocational (McNeilus) require and tailoring our training accordingly.” 

Wade says that means designing curricula that don’t just teach theory but also provide hands-on learning experiences that simulate real-world job environments. 

“Our mission is to prepare students for the workforce, and the best way to do that is by working directly with the companies that will hire them,” he says. 

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

Revving Up the Workforce

Nissan’s Smyrna vehicle assembly plant – one of Rutherford County’s largest employers – relies on a steady stream of skilled technicians to keep its operations running smoothly. Through its partnership with TCAT, the automaker benefits from a workforce that’s trained in areas that include industrial maintenance, robotics and automated systems. 

“Nissan has been instrumental in helping us shape our programs,” Wade explains. “They provide insight into what skills they need most, and in turn, we tailor our courses to ensure our students are ready to hit the ground running.” 

In 2017, Nissan North America and TCAT launched the state’s first private-public partnership, building a Nissan Training Center on the TCAT Smyrna campus near the vehicle assembly plant. 

Greg Jones, senior vice president of education and workforce development for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, served as senior director of human resources for Nissan and was instrumental in developing the program. 

“That was just a tremendous project, and it continues to be a tremendous partnership. The training programs at TCAT – everything from industrial maintenance to robotics training – not only feed Nissan jobs, but they feed other companies in the area as well,” Jones says. 

Blake Morton graduated in 2024 with a 4.0 grade point average and an acceptance into the National Technical Honor Society for Machine Tool Technology. Morton completed a technician apprenticeship while at TCAT and now works for Nissan in tool and die maintenance. 

“I’m excited to keep on with my career as tool and die maintenance at Nissan,” he says. “I owe a big thank you to Nissan for the apprenticeship program and choosing me to be part of the crew over a year ago. I am very proud of not only myself but to be part of a prestigious group.” 

Building a Better Talent Pool

Oshkosh Vocational, a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative machines, faces similar hiring challenges as it seeks out skilled technicians and welders. By working with TCAT, Oshkosh has helped create specialized training programs to produce job-ready graduates who can immediately contribute to its operations. 

“Our partnership with Oshkosh is about more than just training students – it’s about creating a sustainable workforce pipeline,” Wade says. “They’ve invested time and resources into ensuring our programs are aligned with the realities of today’s industry.” 

Students enrolled in TCAT’s welding and industrial maintenance programs gain hands-on experience with the very equipment they’ll be using on the job. That means when they walk into their first day at Oshkosh, they already have the skills and confidence needed to succeed. 

These partnerships are more than just business deals, they’re essential to the county’s long-term economic success. Not only does TCAT provide students with pathways to stable, often high-paying careers, it does so without saddling students with debt. 

“We’re a Tennessee Promise school, so the financial burden is reduced for students. Some 90% of our students receive some type of financial aid, and then about 60% to 70% of those students have all their expenses covered, so they’re not leaving us with debt. That means that the first paycheck is able to go to their family and not to pay back loans,” Wade says. “When businesses and schools collaborate, everyone wins – the students, the employers and the entire community.”