Chief Workforce Development Officer James Farmer Jr. outlines CTE pathways across Jackson Madison County Schools

James Farmer Jr., chief workforce development officer for Jackson Madison County Schools, said the district’s career and technical education (CTE) offerings act as "a funnel" that leads students to multiple post‑high‑school options, including the military, technical college, university or direct employment. "CTE is kind of a funnel that leads into a variety of opportunities for students," Farmer said, noting programs that range from agribusiness and welding to cybersecurity and hospitality.

Farmer explained district students can begin CTE exposure in middle school and pursue dual enrollment with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) starting in 9th grade. He highlighted the Toyota EM^2 program housed at the Melissa Innovation Center as an example of a pathway students can begin in middle school and continue through the workforce development center in high school. "Imagine a student beginning in the 6th grade going to Melissa's for their Toyota EM^2 ... and then once they get to high school, they attend the workforce development center and continue 9th through 12th grade," Farmer said. The district’s approach is designed to provide both technical skills and college credit options, he said.

Hammond directed listeners to JMCSS’s website and the college, career and technical education page for program lists and dual enrollment course details, and reminded families they can contact Chief Farmer via the site's "Let's Talk" feature for more information.