Careers in skilled trades should be seen as lucrative and growth-oriented
By Heather Thomas, Associate Publisher with contributor and ATC Automation Co-Founder, Jack Miller
If we are to build a strong, resilient economy, we must build a strong, resilient workforce.
In communities across the Upper Cumberland and beyond, manufacturing and many industries are undergoing a quiet transformation. Careers in the skilled trades were once seen as labor-intensive, gritty job sectors that are now adapting to a hub of innovation, robotics and precision engineering. Jobs in welding, machine tool technology and mechatronics are high-skill and high-reward.
For decades, the perception of the skilled vocations in manufacturing have carried an unfortunate stigma: dirty and dangerous. Today’s advanced manufacturing facilities use clean rooms, automated systems, and computer-aided machinery that require trained technicians, not just laborers.
Many employers, from manufacturing to electrical and construction support apprenticeships and work closely with the skills trades’ programs. It has also become common for employers to participate in economic outreach efforts to inform potential candidates about what careers in trades and modern manufacturing look like, hoping to change the perceptions of skilled trades. The Highlands Economic Partnership has been engaging students and employers through job fairs that provide hands-on access to machinery and possibilities.
These engagement efforts to present potential jobs have been shifting this mindset and creating a pathway to educational programs specifically to meet the needs of the employers and make the skilled trades more appealing.
“Our region is poised to have a skilled labor workforce for several years to come. As the economic development organization for the highland’s region, our focus is to bolster a workforce pipeline, unlike anything our region has ever seen. We do this through hands-on learning in our industry clusters that are present; but to do this at a high level, we must have dedicated partners that see a long-term vision for success in this region. We are incredibly blessed to have alignment between our government partners, school districts, post-secondary institutions and Industry partners. The future is bright for industry in this region of the state of Tennessee,” said Adam Poe, vice president, Highlands Economic Partnership.
Careers in skilled trades should be seen as lucrative and growth-oriented rather than a fallback option. Decades ago, trailblazers in automation created their own vision of building a workforce.
A Co-Founder’s Perspective: shared by ATC Automation Co-Founder, Jack Miller
When Chuck Smith and Jack Miller founded ATC Automation in Cookeville in 1977, they understood that their company’s success would depend on employees trained in machine shop operations. Both founders had completed apprenticeships in Tool and Die making while living in Ohio and Michigan. But when they arrived in Cookeville, no such programs existed.
Through a contact at Cookeville High School, they met a student eager to receive machine shop training beyond what was available at the time. Jack and Chuck established a work-study arrangement where the student spent half his school day in classes and the other half learning in their shop under direct supervision. He learned quickly, gained confidence and upon graduation, joined ATC full-time.
The young man could operate the machinery before he graduation while he was enrolled in school. He graduated at 17 and state regulations prevented him from operating machinery until he turned 18, so he did odd jobs until he was eligible. Once he began working on machines, his skills rapidly progressed. He rose through the ranks and eventually became a team leader, managing large and complex automation programs.
“This is a real-world example of the opportunities that exist when students, educators, employers, and parents think of alternatives for young people to acquire skills and knowledge that is not available at colleges,” Jack Miller explained.
Today, ATC Automation is a global player—and its roots are deeply tied to the potential of vocational training, mentorship and community collaboration.
Here is a sampling from TCAT Cookeville (Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Fortis Institute and Volunteer State Community College (Vol State – Livingston & Cookeville) focusing from programs in welding and industrial maintenance. It includes projected starting salaries based on regional and national labor data. Many of these programs have financial support offered and successful job placements due to partnerships.
| Certification Program | Typical Training Length | Starting Salary (TN) | National Median Starting Salary |
| Welding Technology | 12–16 months | $35,000 – $40,000 | $48,940 |
| Industrial Maintenance | 18–24 months | $42,000 – $48,000 | $59,380 |
| Machine Tool Technology (CNC) | 12–18 months | $38,000 – $45,000 | $49,560 |
| HVAC Technician | 12–18 months | $38,000 – $43,000 | $51,390 |
| Mechatronics | 18–24 months | $45,000 – $50,000 | $60,000+ |
Now is the time to rediscover careers in Skilled Trades and help others see it is not a fallback, but a strong sector! It needs a new generation of thinkers, builders, and innovators like Jack Miller and Chuck Smith. With the right training and support, students and job seekers in the Upper Cumberland and beyond can find rewarding, sustainable careers that combine hands-on skills with cutting-edge technology.
UCBJ Photo.
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