The Engineering Technology Division at Chattanooga State Community College and WACKER Polysilicon North America have partnered to develop programs of study that will produce the best trained technicians in the chemical industry through a unique and rigorous educational collaborative. Graduates receive an associate of applied science degree (A.A.S.) in Engineering Technology or an embedded certificate in other technical areas of emphasis. The Institute’s key areas of training focus on preparing students to become process technicians (chemical operators); chemical laboratory technicians (analytics); electronics & instrumentation systems technicians; and mechanical systems technicians.

The grand opening of the WACKER Institute on February 8, located in the Center for Engineering Technology, Arts & Science (CETAS), was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the public to tour the $5 million pilot plant and training facility at Chattanooga State. Several local dignitaries and representatives from WACKER’s headquarters in Germany were in attendance for the ribbon cutting. An estimated 600 people from the community, including students from local high schools, took advantage of the tours provided by Wacker Institute faculty and students. Thus far, WACKER has offered jobs to more than 80 students in the program.