Community Sees Opportunity after Visiting TCAT in Smyrna

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Smyrna opened its doors to the community on Tuesday. Visitors were given the opportunity to meet staff and to learn more about the facility’s programs. Representatives from each of TCAT’s 16 programs were on-site to share exciting information about how and what they do and why community partnerships are so important.

“This great facility was built through the collaboration of our great community partners and this event is a day for everyone to come out and learn more about how it can help serve them. We have a place for everyone at TCAT and much excitement to share,” said President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Smyrna and Murfreesboro Campus, Jon Mandrell.

At the event, Rutherford County Chamber partners also announced their pledge to become a certified ACT Work Ready Community, demonstrating its commitment to developing a strong workforce pipeline, desirable to employers, economy developers and citizens of the county.

The ACT® Work Ready Communities (ACT® WRC) initiative empowers states, regions and counties with data, processes and tools that drive economic growth by identifying skills gaps and quantifying the skill level of their workforce. Participants leverage the ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC®) to measure and close skills gaps and build common frameworks that link, align and their workforce development efforts.

“At TCAT, we are about student success and enhancing our community through partnerships and education,” said Mandrell. “Through our collaboration with the Rutherford County Chamber, we are making great strides to become an ACT Work Ready Community. TCAT and the Chamber share a similar mission in serving and growing the community and this another step together as one.”