Construction on the $34.5 million facility will begin in early spring 2025. Space in the 67,800-square-foot facility will be shared by Jackson State Community College and TCAT Jackson.
A groundbreaking ceremony is being held on November 19 for Jackson State Community College's new Regional Workforce Training Center. The space, which encompasses almost 68,000 square feet, will serve as education space for JSCC and for TCAT Nashville, as well as space for local businesses to conduct research or testing. Funding for the project, which will cost a total of $34.5 million, was allocated in 2022 by the State of Tennessee.
According to an article on Jackson State Community College’s website, Dr. Carol Rothstein, who is the president of the school, was quoted as saying of the Regional Workforce Training Center, “Our commitment to industries across the region is unwavering, and the addition of this Regional Workforce Training Center further solidifies that notion. This new facility will not only allow us to expand our role in producing top talent for our industry partners, but also allow the community a state-of-the-art space to host gatherings, develop new technologies, and further capitalize on the excellent things already being developed here in West Tennessee.”
The new facility will house TCAT Jackson’s Tool & Die program, as well as provide space for an expansion of JSCC’s Engineering Systems Technology program and for an expansion of the Workforce Solutions division. Additional features of the building will include a prep kitchen, a meeting and event space, and three flex spaces that can be leased by local industries and businesses. The facility will have oversized doors to accommodate a variety of large equipment and technology and plenty of classroom spaces.
According to the webpage for the Regional Workforce Training Center, the reason the building is being constructed on Jackson State Community College’s campus is because of its “geographic location in the region, educational impact being on the JSCC campus, and the already established connection to industries across West Tennessee. The specific site and layout was strategically selected to create a powerful impression at the corner of Dr. F.E. Wright Drive and North Parkway for those both attending and visiting the college.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by leadership from both involved colleges, Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora Tydings, and leadership from the Greater Jackson Chamber.
For more information about Jackson State Community College, visit the school’s website.