News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Crossville’s TCAT campus is expanding with a 12,000 square foot, $2 million dollar learning space.
TCAT Crossville Vice President Stacy Johnson said he expects the new building to open in three to four weeks, opening up more space on the main campus. Johnson said the building construction technology and industrial maintenance programs will move to the new location, along with a new masonry program that’s in high demand.
“It pays well for students, so it’s kind of a win-win, students can find some good jobs doing the trade,” Johnson said. “Companies that do that, you know, are having a lot of trouble finding good tradesmen that can do that.”
Johnson said the move will allow the building construction technology and industrial maintenance programs to get more up to date training. Johnson said the current equipment is holding those two programs back.
“The rooms that they’re in are so cramped with the equipment and stuff for training,” Johnson said. “This is gonna give them a much better opportunity to learn, especially new things that are out there that we just frankly, don’t have the room for right now.”
Johnson said he has not pinpointed what programs will be added next, but said medical and construction programs are being looked at. He said that decision will be based on workforce needs.
“I don’t know exactly what we’re gonna end up with,” Johnson said. “Right now we’re just trying to figure out what has the most need.”
Johnson said industrial maintenance focuses on things like high voltage and three-phase equipment, as well as residential and commercial wiring. He said building construction technology touches on nearly every aspect of construction.
