CLARKSVILLE, TN − Students from the Early Technical College (ETC) at Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) took center stage at the Montgomery County Commission meeting on Monday, February 3, to highlight the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the impact of ETC at TCAT on their futures. In honor of National CTE Month, these students shared personal testimonies about how the program has shaped their career paths and prepared them for success in the skilled trades industry.
Senior HVAC student Nolan Woollen, president of Student Ambassadors, opened the presentation by emphasizing the vital role of skilled tradespeople in sustaining Clarksville’s rapid growth. “Without skilled tradespeople, companies wouldn’t be able to maintain their equipment or keep their operations running smoothly,” Woollen stated. Nolan is an intern at Gaylord Opryland and will soon transition to a facility service technician role at Marriott International. “Without ETC, I would not be as far ahead in my career path or have access to the incredible opportunities I now have,” he said. He noted that ETC began in 2018 with only 16 students, has grown to approximately 70 students today, and is projected to reach 100 active students by the 2025–2026 school year.
Students from various programs—including HVAC, industrial maintenance, electrical maintenance, diesel-powered equipment, and pharmacy technology—shared how ETC has provided them with hands-on training, certifications, and direct career pathways.
Olivia Bowers, senior in the IEMM program, explained that ETC at TCAT operates under a competency-based learning model that allows students to advance at their own pace while gaining real-world experience through internships and industry partnerships. Bowers spoke on the motivation required to excel in the program and her ambition to serve the nation as a Foreign Service Security Technical Specialist. “Our instructors see our progress and put their names on the line for our success,” she said.
Industrial maintenance student Gage Pilarowski, who is on track to finish a five-trimester course in just two years, emphasized the financial benefits of ETC at TCAT, stating, “For many, this program is an opportunity to escape poverty and create a better future.”
Other students, including Ethan Caselli, Vice President of the Student Ambassadors, Jacob Shaffer, Gabe Lehman, Brooklyn Hitchens, and Zaria Forbis highlighted the diverse career pathways ETC at TCAT offers. Shaffer and Lehman showcased ETC at TCAT’s ability to jumpstart careers, with Lehman interning at A&R Complete Auto Care while gaining industry certifications.
The presentation concluded with a gift to Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, presented by HVAC student JT Lopp, and a call to local businesses and leaders to continue supporting the ETC at TCAT program. “Clarksville’s growth and development wouldn’t be possible without skilled workers like us, who keep everything running smoothly,” Woollen emphasized.
With a strong commitment to career readiness and workforce development, ETC at TCAT remains a crucial pipeline for skilled professionals in Montgomery County and beyond. “A robust economy starts with a highly educated workforce. ETC @ TCAT is establishing that groundwork for Montgomery County,” states Dr. James Bailey, Principal at ETC. Constance Brown, Success Coach at ETC, emphasizes that as the school continues to grow and expand, ETC is seeking additional partners interested in investing in the future of the Montgomery County community.
Applications are open for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information on applying for ETC at TCAT and other CMCSS schools and programs of choice, visit https://www.cmcss.net/blog/2024/11/15/2025-2026-application-period-for-schools-and-programs-of-choice/.