The worst of times has turned into the best of times for the Engineering Technology Division at Chattanooga State Community College. The loss of jobs due to cut backs and companies moving over seas in search of cheaper labor, as well as the increased demand for skilled workers in modern manufacturing industries, has led to a 300 per cent enrollment increase in the Engineering Technology program within the last two years.

Under the expert leadership of Dean Tim McGhee, the engineering technology division has positioned itself as a responsive and supportive partner when addressing the training needs of businesses located in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. The relationships Chattanooga State has formed with the Volkswagen Group of America, the Tennessee Valley Authority, EPB, McKee Foods, Alstrom, Miller Industries, Westinghouse, Whirlpool and Wrigley, have opened access to careers in green technology, energy, automotive, and consumer goods manufacturing for its graduates. According to McGhee, “Chattanooga is getting back to a goods-producing economy, and you have to have a highly skilled work force for that.”

The Engineering Technology Division boasts a 95 percent hire rate for graduates in their area of study. The salaries these graduates receive are highly competitive with many of them starting at $43,000 per year or more.

The division offers an associate of applied science degree in three different areas. Graduates in engineering technology choose from among the civil; construction; design/drafting; manufacturing; mechanical; Motorsports; non-destructive testing; nuclear power; QA/QC; or radiation protection areas of concentration.

The A.A.S. degree in electronics/electric offers concentrations in automated controls, computer systems and solar energy technology. The industrial maintenance technology degree has chemical, elctromechanical and automotive production concentrations.

An articulation agreement with the School of Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga makes it possible for Chattanooga State students to smoothly transition into a bachelor’s program. The 2+2 transfer programs include construction management, pre-engineering and engineering technology management. In addition to the degree programs, the engineering technology division offers a CAD certificate.

While in years past considered a male dominated career field, the number of women choosing engineering technology as a career path is steadily growing. Engineering Tech’s growth at Chattanooga State can also be attributed to its appeal to different age groups. Everyone from first time freshmen to older students, some with degrees in other areas, are interested in pursing engineering technology.

“Chattanooga has such a bright future,” says Jeff Olingy, vice president for economic and community development at Chattanooga State. “A lot of people are going back to college to prepare for that visibly bright future.”