Twelve regional high schools students made an important first step towards workforce preparedness by signing letters of intent with Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Elizabethton on Thursday.
As part of National Career Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day, seven of 27 TCAT schools anticipated signing a total of 300 students .
“By signing our incoming students to Letters of Intent, we’re telling them that our institution has a place for them and we want them,” said TCAT Director Dean Blevins. “Technical education will prepare them for a strong career. Industry leaders also are excited about this opportunity because it validates the student and provides and opportunity for industry representatives to meet these future workers.”
The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) sponsored the event, and area partners like Snap-On Tools and Trane were present to welcome students as they declare their intentions of learning the skills needed to contribute to the increasingly technical fields which they are entering.
“The field has to be dedicated and has to understand the ability that’s coming from these programs,” said Josh Lashley, Snap-On industrial account manager. “I always tell students to dive in head first — don’t just sit back. Study and be the teacher’s pet, because you will walk onto a job knowing what you’ve been trained to do.”
Dan Lee, Trane account representative, said his company is looking for students to fill in the current skills gaps in an industry that is experiencing a shortage of technically advanced equipment skills.

Students represented Elizabethton, Daniel Boone, Tennessee, and David Crockett High Schools.
From Elizabethton are Casey Hayes, automotive; Brad Dills, pipefitting and plumbing; Kaleb Whitehead, HVAC; and Zachary Buckles, welding. From Daniel Boone are Joseph Johnson, automotive; Fidel Breto, diesel; and Christopher McCall, diesel. From Tennessee is Bryan Henley, HVAC. From David Crockett are Jeremiah Clark, welding; Preston Tilson, welding; Thomas Gillin, diesel; and Kasey Hensley, practical nursing.
Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey challenged each upcoming student to reach for the stars, and commented on the success of program completion, placement licensure pass rates of TCAT graduates over the last 50 years.
In the 12-month period ending August 31, 2014, the program completion rate was 90 percent, job placement rate was 88 percent and the licensure pass rate for the Tennessee Board of Nursing exam was 92 percent.
“I challenge you to give your all,” said John Lee, NC3 Certified Instructor and SkillsUSA Coordinator.”The Mayor, county and industries are behind you and here to ensure you receive the education you need to put you into the workforce.”