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Polk County wins $249,860 grant to equip high-school welding programs
Summary
County officials announced a nearly $250,000 grant to equip welding programs at local schools through a partnership with TCAT and local stakeholders; commissioners and education leaders praised the award.
Polk County officials announced Tuesday that the county has been awarded a $249,860 grant to upgrade welding training equipment for local high-school students through a partnership with TCAT and school districts.
County staff and members of the county—conomic development (ID) board told commissioners the award will purchase equipment including 14 Miller welders, 14 wire-feed units, exhaust booths, welding tables and related safety and cutting equipment. The funds will allow participating students to earn welding certificates by the time they graduate if they start the program as freshmen.
"Not everybody is intended to go to college, but everybody needs to go to work," a county official said during the meeting, praising the grant as a way to prepare students for the workforce. Officials said the grant required no local match, TCAT committed to support and potentially help pay teacher costs, and community partners, including TVA and several elected officials, helped secure the award.
The county said 10 seats will be available at each participating school and that the program design allows students to gain certificates and credentials tied to local employment opportunities. Officials said they will meet in the coming weeks to work out program details, identify instructors and finalize equipment delivery and installation.
Commissioners congratulated staff and the ID board for the award. The county said it remains eligible for additional grant programs and will pursue further opportunities to fund workforce development.
