Chattanooga Champions Apprenticeship Programs to Propel Students into Thriving Careers

Chattanooga Ignites Passion for Building Careers with Apprenticeship Programs

Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement, thanks to innovative programs that are lighting the way for students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering. A prime example is the ACE Mentor Program, which is giving young minds like Ooltewah High School’s Jocelyn Rocha a chance to explore their interests in a hands-on environment.

While volunteering at the Creative Discovery Museum, Jocelyn learned about this fantastic program that encourages high school students to dive into design and construction projects. With her newfound passion for interior design and architecture, she decided to join the ACE program to connect with professionals in the industry. During her junior year, she worked with a team of five to create a mock multi-use building, inspired by the Partnerships in Industry and Education (PIE) innovation center in Cleveland, Tennessee.

In her senior year, she took her skills further by helping a team develop plans for a lot on Market Street in downtown Chattanooga. “This gave me some great hands-on experience in a career that I want to pursue,” Jocelyn shares. “It really helped confirm my interest in interior architecture, and it was wonderful to collaborate with other students and mentors using real-life design tools like SketchUp.”

Scholarships and Opportunities Galore

Both of Jocelyn’s teams excelled, clinching top honors in 2022 and 2023, and she personally garnered a whopping $6,000 ACE scholarship. With plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga after completing her two-year degree at Chattanooga State Community College, she is already paving her way to success.

Last year, Jocelyn was among ten students who shared in a hefty $30,000 worth of scholarships through the ACE Mentor Program, which has been active for 15 years. This initiative is part of a growing trend in Chattanooga aimed at preparing students for in-demand jobs through local apprenticeship programs.

The Shift Towards Apprenticeships

With the rising costs of college education, students are turning to apprenticeship programs as practical alternatives. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, college enrollment fell by nearly 1.5 million students, or about 7.4% in recent years. In sharp contrast, apprenticeship numbers are soaring, especially among men, nearly doubling in the last decade.

Chattanooga stands out as a hub for these programs, having been named one of the few Apprenticeship Innovation Districts in America. Support from federal grants and local businesses has propelled this initiative. The community has embraced this shift, recognizing its potential to train the next generation for thriving careers.

Community Support and Growth

The Apprenticeship Works program in Hamilton County is a central player in this journey, providing valuable training experiences for students and workers alike. Leaders like Michelle Rhee, who co-founded BuildWithin, highlight the uniqueness of Chattanooga as a model for apprenticeship success. “What we have built together in Chattanooga is really setting the example to the rest of the world,” Rhee stated during her visit.

Local educational institutes, including the Hamilton County Future Ready Institutes and the Chattanooga Construction Center, offer specialized training, aligning students with real-world job experiences. “With these apprenticeship programs, we truly believe that we can train our students well for careers that provide a thriving wage,” said Superintendent Justin Robertson of Hamilton County Schools.

Employers Joining the Movement

Local businesses are also on board, seeing the value in training their workforce. Josh Davis from Human Powered is using the program to enhance the graphic design skills of his employees. “It’s a really efficient way to measure results and it has worked out great for us,” he noted, sharing his enthusiasm for tapping into the apprenticeship initiative.

The ACE Mentor Program specifically focuses on students from high schools in the area, guiding them to explore careers in fields like architecture and engineering. Mentors from various local companies meet weekly with students to provide insights, hands-on activities, and essential skills required in the industry.

A Bright Future Ahead

The local chapter’s president, Jeff Rayburn, underscores the need for talented individuals to fill roles in their industry. “We try to give kids an idea of what really happens in designing and building a project,” he said, noting the importance of practical experience.

As Jocelyn Rocha and her peers embark on their exciting journeys, they do so with the knowledge and support of mentors who are eager to guide the next generation of industry leaders. Programs like ACE make clear that Chattanooga is not only nurturing budding talent but is also ensuring the community thrives with a skilled workforce. With such opportunities at their fingertips, students are finding new paths to success that could reshape their futures in incredible ways.