Over 200 students turn the tassel during TCAT Jackson graduation ceremony

JACKSON, Tenn. — A local technical college celebrated its graduating class in downtown Jackson earlier Thursday evening.

220 students walked the stage at the Carl Perkins Civic Center as they receive their diplomas and certificates from TCAT Jackson.

These students will be the next generation of many necessary trades to become plumbers, electricians, mechanics and more.

Some of the graduates will be moving into roles that would usually require a degree such as nursing, surgical technicians, or even correctional officers.

TCAT also offers CDL training at the Jackson location, so some of these grads will trade the cap and gown for keys and a cab in the near future.

The guest speaker keyed in on three individual concepts to keep these graduates successful for years to come.

“Each of you had a ‘why’ for why you have accomplished the opportunity to walk across this stage tonight. You see, knowing your ‘why’ or having a clear vision will be critically important as this will be the guide for the choices you’ll make both personally and professionally going forward,” said Mike Cook, Georgia Pacific/Dixie plant director.

You’ve already heard the ‘why’ and then Cook went on with the second concept: relationships–to remind the grads not to go through life alone.

Cook ended his speech by telling them to ‘choose their hard.’

“Putting in the extra time after work to learn a new skill or certification while juggling the responsibilities of life is hard. Feeling stuck and overlooked for opportunities to advance is also hard. Choose your hard,” said Cook.

The institution offers affordable alternatives to traditional two and four year colleges. Many of the programs offered by TCAT are typically completed at 12 or 18 months.

There are nine TCAT schools across West Tennessee. If you think TCAT may be for you, click here to learn more.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.