September 19, 2021 – Tennessee Governor Bill cut the ribbon on the brand new Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Morristown building on Friday, September 17, 2021. The $20 million expansion now has students in it, learning some of the latest technology in advanced manufacturing, welding and HVAC. “This TCAT we cut a ribbon on today is the perfect example of what should be happening across the state,” Lee said. “It’s technical. It’s vocational. It is creating a skilled workforce that is going to translate into jobs and opportunities for Tennesseans.”
Lee was joined by TCAT – Morristown President Jerry Young, state Senator Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, and state Representative Rick Eldridge, R-Morristown. More than a hundred other dignitaries from across the Lakeway Area also joined in on the celebration.
The ribbon cutting was the conclusion of an almost eight-year journey that began when school and state officials began looking at expanding the campus and adding classrooms that would help in the area of advanced manufacturing. “What we’re trying to concentrate on here is the things that businesses and industry need now and in the future,” Young said. “And also something that will attract industry and business to East Tennessee.”
The construction of the new facility began last year. Lee said that money was well invested into the project. “We’ve invested heavily into colleges of applied technology,” he stated. “The funds here have been used to provide opportunities to young people and older adults in Tennessee.” Just before the ribbon cutting started, Lee arrived almost a half hour early to take a tour of the new building. At his first stop, he donned a welding helmet made to appear like Captain America. He then proceeded to weld at one of the new welding booths within the welding lab at the college. Afterward, Lee laughed about the experience.
Also on hand for the event were Industrial Development Board chairman R. Jack Fishman, state Sen. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, former TCAT – Morristown president Jerry Patton, TCAT Vice President Susanne Cox, Business & Industry Coordinator Chris Edmonds, Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney and Hamblen County Mayor Bill Brittain. “I have a heck of a team here,” Young said. “I just try to stay out of their way.”
Source: Citizen Tribune
RSS - Posts