TCAT Livingston is now taking student applications for its newly launched telecommunications program.
Telecommunications Instructor John Hooten said the program will teach students fiber cable management and cable installations. Hooten said the program was created as it had been highly requested.
“There was a need for the particular types of jobs in the local area and the Upper Cumberland so one of our sister locations reached out and got a grant for the program and we were chosen as one of five schools in the state to try and build this program.”
Hooten said the program will prepare students to be installation service technicians for IT departments and construction crews. Hooten said telecommunications is a good-paying industry and that some paths can pay up to $100,000.
“I mean easily if you’re going to larger cities and you’re working with like how a systems work whenever you’re out traveling and stuff like that you can make pretty good money,” Hooten said. “If you go into IT of course it’s anywhere from $25,000 – $35,000 a year and it can jump all the way up to probably I mean six figures if you’re really out there putting the work and time.”
Hooten said with the application process underway the program has already received some interest from students. Hooten said the school is taking as many applications as possible and the program should begin as soon as March or this summer.
“The program is up and ready to go as soon as students have applied and been accepted and finished everything on their side of it for either financial aid or funding,” Hooten said. “So it’s available now if people want to start.”
Hooten said he is very excited to start the new program as the program is going to be well-equipped to train students. Hooten said there might be some kinks to work out as you do with all new programs but he is confident that the program is going to be very successful and address the need the industry has in the Upper Cumberland.
