Organizations donate cars to support Chattanooga State’s TCAT program

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Volkswagen Group of America and the Collision Repair Education Foundation are celebrating their partnership with Chattanooga State by donating 12 cars to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) program.

(From Chattanooga State)

The TCAT program is a “leading provider of hands-on, high-demand, skills training programs designed to prepare you for the job market,” according to their website.

We all know that accidents happen. So, this partnership aims to they aim to provide hands-on training opportunities for automotive students in collision repair.

Volkswagen group of America is donating cars to the TCAT program, including Volkswagens and Audis. 

Both Volkswagen and Audi are donating vehicles to this program, which is part of a larger donation. They are donating a total of 27 vehicles to Tennessee programs and 78 vehicles across the U.S.

Last March, many vehicles were damaged during transportation and could not be sold. However, the companies realized these automobiles were still functional and wanted them to go toward a bigger purpose.

“We are so incredibly grateful that our programs here at Chattanooga State TCAT, are the recipients of this donation. That means our students will be training on the latest technology and on these electric vehicles that have never been drove, ” said Chattanooga State President Dr. Rebecca Ashford. 

By gaining this experience, repairing electric vehicles, finding a good job should not be an issue. With that kind of experience, finding a good job should not be a problem.

“Because of this. Our students are having immediate access to the latest and greatest electric vehicle technology,” Ashford said. “That will prepare them for the job market that we are now moving into with the transition from internal combustion engine to EV.”

(From Chattanooga State)

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp believes this is a strong example of local workforce development.  

“I think what it is a partnership between a community college a great employer where the goal is to take people you know who are moms, dads, sisters and brothers. And take them from one point of their life to a place where they’re ready to enter the workforce and make a good living support their family,” said Mayor Wamp. 

Chattanooga State Community College will host a TCAT open house July 13 for new students.

Those seeking more information can visit Chattanooga State’s website.