Students in Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson’s Diesel-Powered Equipment Technology program will benefit from new hands-on learning opportunities thanks to a recent donation from Waste Management. Jennifer McKay, a Senior Communications Specialist at WM, presented a retired waste collection truck to Dr. Arrita Summers, President of TCAT Dickson, and Tommy Yarbrough, the college’s Diesel-Powered Equipment instructor, during a recent campus visit. McKay along with other representatives from WM, spoke to students about the urgent need for more trained technicians across the industry, noting that supply chain challenges have made it increasingly difficult to purchase a new truck and that maintaining the current fleet as it ages has become more important than ever.
“We have developed an apprentice program to help train more technicians, but quite literally can’t train folks fast enough to keep up with the demand,” said Scott Harp, WM Area Fleet Field Support Manager. “I’m inspired to see the energy and interest among students at TCAT Dickson, and we’re so glad to see one of our trucks get a second life and help them continue to learn and refine their skills.”
The Diesel-Powered Equipment Technology program at TCAT is a 20-month program through which students receive instruction in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, engine analysis, disassembling engines, replacing defective parts, reassembling and more.
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