Hamilton County Schools and EPB will partner to create an Energy and Quantum Industries Academy at the district’s newest career and technical education center, county and utility officials announced Wednesday.
The new academy at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center will give students access to pathways to careers in advanced energy, broadband, cybersecurity and quantum technology. Future Ready centers serve as centralized hubs where multiple high schools send students to learn skills for career fields.
“What this experience will bring and what it signifies to our kids is that we are working to provide opportunities by design that are forward thinking,” Superintendent Justin Robertson said. “That will lead to careers, whether it’s in engineering or cybersecurity down the road, but at the same place and at the same facility, also working to provide opportunity by design for things like construction and those jobs that we know will not be replaced by quantum technology.”
EPB, the Chattanooga-owned power and internet provider, will work with the district to shape curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities. It will also help identify industry certifications, technical competencies and workforce readiness experiences that prepare students to both immediately begin careers and pursue further education, according to a press release.