State Funding Helps Students Develop Broadband Skills

Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology provides competency-based training while keeping programs economical. They received help recently in the latter pursuit, specifically for telecommunications instruction.

TCATs across the state are using $5 million in Department of Economic and Community Development funding to expand their programs. TCAT Hohenwald is in the process of putting its portion of the money to work.

The school ordered training materials for classes about telecom, fiber optics, fiber splicing, copper-based systems, wireless communications, grounding and bonding, and professional development. Orders are also in for new computers and training for fiber optics, smart technology systems, security and surveillance, and audio/video.

TCAT telecommunications programs ready participants for fulfilling careers in the industry. Hohenwald students receive instruction in fundamental theories, principles, experiments, and real-world scenarios. They prepare for C-TECH certification by studying copper, cabling, and fiber optic systems during their first trimester in the program. The second trimester brings CompTIA A+ certification prep with lessons in hardware, storage, networking, mobile devices, implementation and file management, mobile devices, and more. Last-trimester students prepare for SBCA and ETA STS certifications with study in satellite fundamentals, audio/video, residential electrical systems, and security surveillance.

This telecommunications program expansion aligns with Gov. Bill Lee’s recent workforce development investments. His proposed $59.5 billion budget, just shy of last year’s $60.5 billion approved budget, includes $12 million for the TennesseWORKS Scholarship which will cover all costs for TCAT students. As broadband infrastructure initiatives continue across Tennessee, workforce development in the telecommunications sector remains an area industry providers should track.