South Side students pursuing technical fields at TCAT
Seven students who attend South Side High School will be going to Tennessee College of Applied Technology Technology (TCAT) after graduation.
Jackson Madison County School System (JMCSS), has partnerships with local colleges to help prepare their students for what is next.
TCAT is making it possible for Tennesseans to receive a higher education and to receive work experience. TCAT Jackson Campus offers 17 different programs including but not limited to administrative office technology, automotive technology, HVAC and more. These programs are tailored to allow students to better prepare for their field of study and the workforce.
In a year, Cody Chouinard, Deandre Freeman, River Scroggins, Morgan Thomas, Dylan Leslie, Angel Noyola and Andrew Rasberry will be entering the work force as certified and qualified professionals of their trade.
"Going to TCAT, I will have less debt," said Thomas. "I will be competitive in my field and make more money."
Thomas is pursuing a career in HVAC and has aspirations of one day becoming an entrepreneur. Chouinard, Freeman, Leslie, Noyola and Rasberry will expand their knowledge in the automotive arena. Scroggins will study computer aided drafting.
Computer aided drafting is the use of computers to aid in the creation of design. This program will allow the students to also modify, analyze and optimize designs creating 2D and 3D images.
"I encourage seniors who may be struggling on what to do about college to research," said Scroggins. "Talk to others who have already done what you are trying to do."
AT TCAT, statistics showed that 83% of the students earned their certificate or diploma in their field of study. 87% of the students were employed in their field of study. The student loan debt for all students was $0.
Thomas Berry, automotive instructor, has been teaching shop for the past 15 years.
"The partnership with the school and the college allows the students to receive dual credits," said Berry. "While in high school, they are getting credits for college as well."
The 32-year educator had words of wisdom to give these seven students.
"Listen to your instructors closely and be on time," said Berry. "They are preparing you to go into the real world to work."
The South Side Seven are all excited about furthering their education while gaining the experience needed to help them be successful.
Katrina Smith is an Educational reporter at The Jackson Sun. Send those story ideas to kmsmith@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Southside Seven, Southside High School, JMCSS, TCAT, Jackson
