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Fayette County schools partner with TCAT Stanton to expand automotive and welding CTE programs
Summary
Fayette County Public Schools approved forwarding a proposed partnership with TCAT Stanton offering certificate‑based automotive and welding programs, including OSHA‑10 certification and pathways for dual enrollment and employer recruitment.
The Fayette County Public Schools Education, Sports and CTE Committee voted June 18 to forward a proposed partnership with TCAT Stanton to the full Board after a presentation on new career and technical education programming.
Dr. McPherson, Director of Schools, introduced the initiative as the product of recent curriculum revisions, budget planning and changes to state CTE guidance and said district staff and consultants helped establish the collaboration. Dr. Davis, Vice President of TCAT Stanton, described the automotive technology and welding programs as clock‑hour, certificate‑based tracks in which students would attend roughly two and one‑half hours per day and make measurable progress toward industry credentials.
TCAT representatives told board members that students would earn OSHA‑10 certification early in the program and could pursue additional industry‑recognized certifications in automotive systems, tool identification, equipment operation and welding processes. Students with prior coursework or experience will be assessed and placed at appropriate instructional levels to avoid repeating mastered content.
Board members pressed administrators on enrollment, class size, transportation and campus security. Dr. McPherson said parent and student informational meetings will be scheduled before enrollment; TCAT staff described student integration into existing programs, issuance of TCAT identification badges, electronic check‑in and attendance monitoring, and said a bus monitor will accompany students during transport.
Representatives from TCAT Jackson also noted dual‑enrollment opportunities in agriculture, computer information technology and culinary arts, with potential college credit and transfer pathways to institutions such as UT Martin and the University of Memphis. They described advisory committees and employer partnerships that support job placement and direct recruiting from TCAT programs.
The committee did not take a final contractual vote; it moved the partnership to the full Board for consideration.
