(KNOXVILLE – WBIR) Gov. Bill Haslam announced a $950,000 grant Friday to help the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)-Knoxville as the state continues its "Drive to 55" initiative.
The grant will help TCAT-Knoxville start machine tool technology and diesel technology programs at an off-campus site. The programs provide students with hands-on technical training.
Haslam's amended budget proposal included an additional $5 million to provide for extra equipment to accommodate larger pools of students at the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology.
"Our TCATs have a great track record of success, and as a state we want to allocate resources strategically, where those funds can be most effective," Haslam said.
According to a news release from the governor's office, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology have an 80 percent graduation rate and an 85 percent job placement rate across the system.
The governor's office also said that by 2025, 55 percent of the jobs available in Tennessee will require a post-secondary credential. Currently, only 33 percent of Tennesseans qualify.
The governor launched his "Drive to 55" two years ago to increase the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary degree or certificate.
