(NASHVILLE) — This week, House Republicans passed a measure sponsored by State Representative Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) that promotes high paying jobs in Tennessee.
House Bill 1917 continues the Go Build Tennessee Program through 2024 in order to raise awareness about an abundance of high paying jobs available in communities across our state.
Additionally, the measure strengthens existing partnerships so that students who are interested in this industry can utilize Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) campuses to learn the skills they need in order to pursue these high paying careers.
The Go Build Tennessee program was created with the passage of the Go Build Tennessee Act in 2015. It established a nonprofit corporation and board to run the program funded by $3 million collected by the state in surplus licensing fees.
Since Go Build Tennessee began, 74 percent of students in our state said they were more likely to pursue a career in the trades after hearing the program’s message. Additionally, the TCAT McKenzie location reported a 32 percent increase in course enrollments, and TCAT Nashville saw a 57 percent increase in welding students. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Greater Tennessee also experienced peak enrollments.
Construction and trade jobs are some of the highest paying in Tennessee with an average salary well above median household incomes in several communities. The overall goal of this initiative is to address a shortage of qualified applicants for current vacancies.
“We know we are lacking candidates who have the skills needed to fill these types of jobs, and House Bill 1917 is a solution to help us address the industry shortage taking place in Tennessee,” said Chairman Williams. “I am grateful for the support this program has received, and I hope it persuades more of our residents to consider careers in this high paying industry.”
House Bill 1917 now awaits Governor Haslam’s signature. For more information about this initiative, please click here.
Ryan Williams serves as Chairman of the House Republican Caucus. He also serves as a member of the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee and Subcommittee, as well as the House Government Operations, House Health, and the House Calendar & Rules Committees. Williams lives in Cookeville and represents House District 42, which includes a portion of Putnam County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Ryan.Williams@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-1875.