Page 15 - Nov-Dec 2019 Vol37 No5
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$1 million in the workforce development make a huge difference in convincing utilized from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday
center. them that they can master the skill for through Friday and on Saturday mornings
welding jobs “in the real world.” Other for student utilization, open labs and
The building is focused on the technical YouthForce camps this summer included courses.
workforce needs in Blount County, Wise cybersecurity, manufacturing and nursing Tennessee Board of Regents, PSTCC
said, citing the urgency to provide more themes. Address Impending Utility Worker Shortage
trained maintenance technicians, electrical
engineers and robotics technicians in the In September, Pellissippi State Also this fall, a new PSTCC program,
area. He conceded that it’s a big vision, but lauded retired state Rep. Harry Brooks the first of its kind in the state, began
said “it will mean an even bigger impact on of Knoxville by naming a wing of its offering classes toward associate degrees
the local economy…and on our ability in Strawberry Plains Campus in his honor, in Water Quality Technology. Local utility
providing that skilled workforce,” he said. which includes the MegaLab and welding officials have cited the need to replace
New Approaches to Welding Instruction center. School officials said the Harry current workers who are aging out of the
Brooks Career Education Center is in water quality workforce, pointing out that
But the clock is ticking, and the honor of Brooks’ advocacy in promoting 30-50% of local utility district workers are
American Welding Society predicts workforce training, dual credit and dual due to retire in the next decade.
a shortage of 450,000 skilled welders enrollment career opportunities across
within three years, with local employers Tennessee. The curriculum, developed jointly by
looking for more student proficiency in Pellissippi State, an advisory committee of
alloys, stainless steel and aluminum. To Kelli Chaney, President of TCAT utility representatives, and the Tennessee
answer that call until the new welding Knoxville, attended the ceremonies Association of Utility District staff, is
facilities are constructed (and students and emphasized the need for building designed to ensure the materials can
are graduated), Pellissippi State presently competencies through hands-on prepare students for state-level testing
is approaching the deficit in several experience, citing its capability “to for certifications. It was approved in June
ways, including at the high school level better prepare students to hit the ground by the Tennessee Board of Regents to
pre-graduation, and by “amping up” its running” when gaining employment promote careers in water and wastewater
offerings within the college’s current following graduation. treatment plants.
curriculum.
This fall Pellissippi had 52 students The program’s first two classes,
“Welding Camps” were held again this enrolled in its Welding Technology Orientation to Water Operations and
summer at Pellissippi State’s Strawberry program and has expanded its welding Regulations & Compliance, follow a
Plains campus through YouthForce, the area at the Strawberry Plains Campus cohort structure, in which students move
workforce-development program of the by adding 15 booths to the 14 the through their instruction as a group.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee college already had there. In addition to They’ll also visit off-campus local water
Valley. In its third year of offering its offering Welding Technology cohorts for treatment facilities.
Technical Training camps, YouthForce Pellissippi State students during the day
exposes high school students in Knox and and in the evenings, the college is holding The curriculum provides both
Blount Counties to skilled trades and to three welding classes this semester for operational theory and a strong practical
gain first-job skills. high school students in Knox County background in mathematics, chemistry
Schools’ Career Magnet Academy, located and aquatic sciences through site visits,
Pellissippi State’s MegaLab instructors on the Strawberry Plains Campus. coursework, and a capstone project
said they try to ensure hands-on conducted at a local water or wastewater
experiences for the students, which can These facilities are now available and treatment facility.
View online at tnpublicworks.com 15
