Mayor highlights TCAT Shelbyville programs, cites 89.7% placement rate

Mayor Chris Guest invited Jimmy Wright, president of TCAT Shelbyville, to Franklin County on Thursday to describe the Tennessee College of Applied Technology center’s programs, industry partnerships and plans to expand services for local students.

Wright said TCAT Shelbyville runs multiple programs at the Franklin County site, including industrial maintenance, robotics and welding, and partners with Franklin County High School, Nissan and the nearby Decker facility to place graduates in related jobs. "Our placement rate here at this facility is at 89.7 percent," Wright said, describing strong connections between training and employment.

The visit emphasized hands-on technical training that local employers seek. Wright noted the campus offers CNC machining in partnership with Haas Industries, which provides equipment that TCAT would otherwise be unlikely to purchase, helping create what he called a "state of the art facility right here in Franklin County." He said the school hopes to expand additional programs at the site.

Mayor Chris Guest lauded the center as an asset to the county and encouraged residents interested in programs to contact the TCAT facility or speak directly with Wright or staff for details. "If you want to check in to this further, just call the facility, come by, talk to Mr. Wright," Guest said. He closed the update by wishing attendees a safe weekend.

The session was informational: no motions or formal county actions were recorded during the visit. The county and TCAT framed the update as a workforce-development check-in and a recruitment opportunity for students and local employers.