Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, left, stands with Sequoyah High School Principal Amy Myhan to explain the benefits to students under the partnership with Chattanooga State Community College on Friday. The agreement will allow TCAT certified teachers to teach Carreer and Technical Education courses at four participating Hamilton County high schools so students can earn both secondary and post secondary credits.Students at three Hamilton County high schools will have the opportunity to earn dual high school and college credit for their career and technical education courses through a new partnership between Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga State Community College.
The pilot program includes welding, machine tool and cosmetology courses at Brainerd, Howard and Sequoyah high schools. Juniors and seniors in the advance vocational courses will be able to complete up to two-thirds of the one-year certificate program at Chattanooga State’s Tennessee College of Applied Technology.
“I think this is going to revolutionize the way that we offer technical education in the high schools,” said Jim Barrott, executive vice president of Chattanooga State’s TCAT.
Barrott said the goal is to shorten the time it takes for students to earn a credential and get a job.
“Welding and machining are two of the industrial-related programs that are very much in demand in our community,” he said. “Cosmetology is in great demand in the high schools, and it’s a program that a lot of people want to take here.”