White Co Schools Working With TCAT To Expand Mechatronics Program

White County Schools in the process with TCAT to establish an injection molding lab at the county’s high school.

The machine heats and injects liquid plastic into molds to form a product. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the lab would either be an extension of the school’s mechatronics program or a new class.

“We’re hearing from area employers that it would be really beneficial if they had training on the type of equipment before they came into the workforce,” Dronebarger said. “So, we’re working with TCAT. They are securing the grants. Dr. Myra West at TCAT Livingston is a great partner.”

Dronebarger said the system’s Career Academy at the old Sparta Food Lion will likely be the home for the program. Dronebarger said high school and adult learners a like could participate as early as next fall.

“There would be a mixture of adults in there in the day and high school students working on college credit courses,” Dronebarger said. “We’re excited about that. It is kind of a nook that no one in the Upper Cumberland is doing.”

Dronebarger said the program is not a guarantee, but it does look promising.

“We have a great partnership with TCAT where they provide either teachers or equipment for some of our programs,” Dronebarger said. “(…) We’re trying to do an extension of our mechatronics program, which would include injection molding machines. So many of our industries, even if that is not what they specialize in, they have a portion of their industry that utilizes injection molding.”