Chattanooga State Community College will host the grand opening of the WACKER Institute on February 8, from 2-4 p.m. The WACKER Institute is located in the Center for Engineering Technology, Arts & Science (CETAS), formerly the Olan Mills warehouse, on the west side of the campus near the Center for Business, Industry, and Health Professions (CBIH).

The open house is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the public to tour the $5 million pilot plant and training facility at Chattanooga State designed to train future WACKER employees. According to Tim McGhee, dean of Engineering Technology, “Anyone even remotely curious about working at WACKER Polysilicon should take advantage of this opportunity to see this new state-of the-art training facility with its top-notch science labs.”

Due to safety concerns and government regulations, visitors are asked to reframe from wearing shorts, sandals, and open-toe or high-heel shoes. Guest will find the tour experience to be much more enjoyable by wearing comfortable walking shoes with solid non-slippery soles.

High school students with a keen interest in science and technology will especially benefit from the tour of the facility, which will be conducted by current WACKER Institute students and instructors. Students graduating from high school in 2012 can begin the application and financial aid process now. Representatives from Chattanooga State’s recruiting department will be present to answer questions and provide materials about the registration process.

Graduates of the WACKER Institute earn an associate of applied science degree (A.A.S) in Engineering Technology from Chattanooga State. The Institute’s key training areas of emphasis are process technician (chemical operator), chemical laboratory technician (analytics), electronics and instrumentation technician, mechanical technician, and technical operator.

Beginning February 15, information sessions will be held at the WACKER Institute in the resource room (CETAS 202) every Wednesday from noon to 1p.m., and Thursdays from 5 – 6 p.m. The sessions will run through the week of April 23, 2012. Since there are only a limited number of seats available at each session, those interested in attending are asked to please RSVP in advance. Call Deanna Swiney at (423) 697-2601, if you plan to attend. For more information about the WACKER Institute, go to chattanoogastate.edu and click on the WACKER Institute banner.

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, governed by the policies and guidelines as set forth by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Chattanooga State’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals and to develop the capacities of the business and industrial communities through technical and postsecondary education. Founded in 1965, the college serves a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee and offers more than 50 educational programs. You can become our friend on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChattState, or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ChattStateCC.