TCAT Fentress County launching the first telecommunications program in the TCAT system later this month to provide students with certifications in underground utility installation.
Site Coordinator Belinda Payne said the new course covers the installation of underground lines for sewer, gas, telephone, cable, and electric services. Payne said the program is part of a broader expansion at the Fentress County Higher Education Center that includes upcoming classes in allied health and building construction.
“I just want us to at least get started and so that people can see the benefits of having a degree in that, not just having a job in that,” Payne said. “But I’m willing to go, I just want us to at least get started and so that people can see the benefits of having a degree in that, not just having a job in that.”
Payne said the facility currently hosts a practical nursing class and offers night courses in cosmetology, welding, and meat processing. Payne said the campus shares space with Roane State and features specialized equipment like an Anatomage table for medical training.
“If they could come and get a degree in this, certified in it, then they become their own boss and can have people working for them,” Payne said. “It’s just a huge opportunity not just for Fentress County, but I mean, surrounding counties too.”
Payne said TCAT President Tim Smith advised the campus to take a slow approach to growth during its first term.
“You can’t really like go in and fully stock a place if you don’t know what courses that you’re going to offer first,” Payne said. “That’s one of the things, I think that people don’t realize, it’s not like you just put in a order and it’s going to happen. You put in a order and then you have to get it approved before you can actually get it going.”
Payne said the campus is working to overcome the perception that technical training is only available outside of the county.
“A year from now when I’m looking back and I’m thinking of the times that I had a few minutes to think or have a break, when I don’t have that time, that’s when I know that things have really moved in the right direction because we’ll have so many classes,” Payne said.
The campus remains open for tours and visits as officials wait for building construction materials and air conditioning equipment to arrive for the shops.
