New industry likes TTC's efforts

A new industry, or an existing industry looking to expand, needs workers, and that's why the recruitment process often includes information about local opportunities for workforce training.

When SMW Automotive announced last week that it would open in the former Summit Polymers building and bring 170 jobs to Shelbyville, the news release issued by the state specifically quoted an SMW executive praising the role played by Tennessee Technology Center and its industrial programs.

"The Shelbyville area has a skilled, solid and reliable workforce," said Tom Bane, SMW's director of manufacturing, "supported by the Tennessee Technology Center with CNC (computed numerically controlled) machining, metrology and assembly training programs."

TTCS director Ivan Jones said SMW officials toured the school during the recruitment process and spent time talking to machine tool technology instructor Kenneth Potts. The fast pace of recruitment doesn't always allow for this kind of visit, Jones said; sometimes, it's simply a matter of local industrial recruiter Walt Wood handing the prospect information about TTCS. But in the case of SMW, Jones said the company got a good look at what the school could offer and what the local workforce, including past graduates of TTCS, was like.

"I think they're going to get some really good candidates for their positions," said Jones. TTCS is working with SMW to do pre-employment training next month for the first wave of employees, teaching workers about the specific products and procedures relevant to the company's operations.

Jones said TTCS is eager to develop customized training programs for industry. He said such programs tend to rise and fall with the economy. When the economy is good, businesses have the luxury of spending more time and money on training. When it's bad, they may feel that additional training is something that can be cut.

Jones said TTCS is currently working with three different industries on training programs, which he said may be a good sign for the local industrial economy.

As the baby boomer generation retires, Jones said, many industries may be hard-pressed to find experienced and well-trained workers. And reforms within the secondary education system are emphasizing college preparation, possibly leaving fewer students ready for technical positions. Jones said TTCS can play a role in making sure that the available work force can get the skills needed for the available jobs.

"We're doing our best to try to catch them up," he said, "as fast as we can."

The opening of Middle Tennessee Education Center, a joint venture between Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College, offers even more options for training the workforce. MTSU, Motlow and TTCS are all part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system.

Jones said the presence of three Board of Regents institutions in Shelbyville is a benefit in terms of industrial recruitment and quality of life.

"It is a benefit, obviously, to our community," he said.