Page 11 - March April 2026 Vol 43 No 7

Outside, the Construction team showcased heavy What’s New with TPWI
equipment, providing students with the opportunity to climb From page 5
into machinery and learn about operations in a controlled,
safety-focused environment. This experience helped Entity Partners, the Tennessee Concrete Association, Tennessee
illustrate the technical skill, training, and responsibility 811, Blalock and Sons, Stringfellow, Pavement Restorations, the
required in construction and maintenance roles. Tennessee Public Works Magazine, the University of Tennessee’s
The Plans Review and Inspections team engaged
students through interactive trivia, sparking dialogue about Municipal Technical Advisory Service, and others.
We are even blessed with retirees from the Public Works
inspections, safety standards, and community impact. community who have come forward to give back to their
The Engineering department guided students through the profession.
lifecycle of a Public Works project—from selection and Some class modules and activities were updated, some
planning to execution—using visual aids to make complex disappeared, and some new modules have been created.
processes accessible and engaging. And Fleet offered “up Four classes now are offered each year instead of three.
close” views of heavy equipment used throughout city Classes are limited to 30 people per class – up from 25
operations. previously. Registration has moved online, and credit card
Investing in Future Talent payments now are accepted. These changes are secondary to
Through its partnership with the 865 Academies, the City the continued high quality of the instruction. And as we launch
of Knoxville Public Service Department is intentional about the 24th year of TPWI, class coordination is running more
showing students that Public Works careers extend beyond smoothly.
traditional or commonly recognized roles. By highlighting Not long ago, another APWA Chapter asked how TPWI can
skilled trades, engineering, facilities management, maintain costs while offering four yearly sessions. The answer
construction, and regulatory services, the department helps was simple – the institute’s classes fulfill a key part of our
students understand how these careers intersect—and how Chapter’s mission. We can offer those classes due to both the
they directly affect daily life. Chapter’s financial support, and due to the TPWI Committee’s
Educational outreach is both a workforce development involvement (and that of our other dedicated volunteers).
strategy and a community investment. By offering hands- So come join us at TPWI. If you haven’t been a part of it
on, meaningful experiences, the Public Service Department before, it’s a valuable resource for you and/or your employees. If
aims to build awareness, inspire interest, and help develop you participated in the past, you’ll find a new venue, with new
the next generation of professionals who will support and material, and new faces, along with some familiar ones.
strengthen Tennessee’s public infrastructure. It’s the same, but different!

View online at tnpublicworks.com 11