Northside High expands CTE credentials with NC3, BioSTEM and TCAT pathways

Greg Hammond, chief of public information for Jackson Madison County Schools, used the districts For the District podcast to spotlight Northside High Schools career and technical education programs, speaking with two instructors about student certifications, college handoffs and hands-on research opportunities.

Frank Bohannick, associate instructor for automotive technology at Northside High School and partner with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Jackson, said the school offers NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) industry certifications across four tiers and has integrated the NC3/CDX platform so students can move directly into TCAT coursework. "We are at TCAT 100% job placement," Bohannick said, describing TCAT as a pathway that can lead to employment if students meet program requirements. He also reported "we've had 5 students that pass the exams for that this year" for a tier-4 electronics exam.

Bohannick outlined plans to expand certifications next year, including an EPA refrigerant-handling credential tied to HVAC recovery equipment and training on modern vehicle electronics. He described the goal as preparing students for both immediate entry-level jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities: "If you want to be, you sure will have an opportunity to do it," he said.

Danielle Shaw Jones Grant, BioSTEM teacher at Northside High School, said BioSTEM is offered as a career-and-technical course that teaches lab and clinical skills as well as research and soft skills. "Everyone is required to earn a BLS," she said, referring to Basic Life Support certification; she added that students also complete OSHA safety training, lab-equipment identification, aseptic technique, micropipetting, electrophoresis and basic DNA analysis. Grant said the course improves students math scores and helps those aiming for nursing, laboratory work, agriculture and other fields.

Grant described recent fellowships and partnerships that bring research opportunities to students. She said she served on a panel at the National Science Teachers Conference about Explorers Lab work on lithium-ion batteries, led student research with the Army Educational Outreach Program and worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on water conservation projects. She also said Northside students will take a lead role in a TVA Energy Right School Uplift program this school year and will participate in planned algae research on photosynthesis applications.

On credential value, the instructors emphasized that industry-recognized certifications can give graduates an advantage in hiring and wages. Bohannick noted that NC3 credentials are supported by industry and can remain part of a students resume indefinitely; Grant said CTE credentials accelerate readiness for entry-level roles in healthcare and labs.

The episode closed with Hammond thanking both instructors for their work and directing listeners to the districts YouTube page and radio site for the full episode and earlier segments.