Investment Expands Skilled Trades Pathways
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County students will soon have expanded opportunities to prepare for careers in the skilled trades thanks to a new $9 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Chattanooga-Hamilton County is one of just nine communities selected for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new $90 million national initiative designed to help high school students transition into high-wage, in-demand skilled trades careers through hands-on learning and registered apprenticeship pathways.
The local partnership includes Chattanooga 2.0, Hamilton County Schools, Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee, IBEW Local 175, and UA Local 43.
The initiative is free for students and will expand career pathways in electrical work, construction, plumbing, welding, HVAC and line work.
Leaders say the investment will strengthen hands-on learning by giving students more opportunities to develop real-world skills through classroom instruction, work-based learning, and training that leads to registered apprenticeships after graduation.
Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson said the program is about giving students meaningful choices for their futures.
“We want kids to have a choice in their careers. You know that it’s not just by chance, but it’s my choice. National groups are seeing us do that work and seeing it come to fruition; that’s a big deal. It’s a big deal for Hamilton County schools. It’s a big deal for local governments and our local employers, but more importantly, it’s a big deal for our students.”
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said the community is working toward ensuring every student has access to a career and technical pathway.
“We are within a couple of years of being able to save for the first time in this community that every student is going to have an opportunity to pursue a career technical pathway, and we’re defining career and technical pathways with more ambition than any community in America”
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly called the investment a “landmark opportunity” and thanked Mayor Wamp for helping bring the initiative to the community. Wamp also praised Hamilton County Schools for meeting students where they are and helping build on their individual strengths.
Funding will also support new equipment, improvements to training facilities, additional apprenticeship opportunities and expanded workforce partnerships aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers while helping meet the region’s growing need for skilled workers.
