TCAT Livingston – Jackson County

Recognizing the need for local workforce training in high-demand fields, Jackson County worked to enhance educational and employment opportunities. In 2017, during a Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)-sponsored Asset-Based Planning process, workforce development emerged as a primary priority. The community aimed to create local post-secondary education and training programs to improve the workforce's skills and educational attainment. They set a short-term goal of establishing a TCAT satellite campus in collaboration with the school system and Tennessee Board of Regents to meet the technical training needs of local employers.

TCAT Livingston collaborated with Jackson County to offer Powerline Construction/Maintenance and Information Technology programs. The county secured a suitable property and club house, receiving a $50,000 TNECD Asset Enhancement Grant for facility preparation, much of which was completed by TCAT Livingston building trades students. In 2018, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between TCAT Livingston and Jackson County's school system, enabling the launch of the IT program for high school students in August 2018. In January 2019, both high school and adult students had access to the IT program, with adults benefiting from Lineman Training, marking the opening of Jackson County's inaugural higher education center.

Funding Sources