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The Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Morristown held its summer graduation Thursday night.

President of TCAT, Susanne Cox, welcomed family and friends to the ceremony.

“Graduates, the time has come and I know you’re excited because we are just as excited for you,” she said. “This evening I want to recognize you all for your hard work and willingness to study hard and work hard to reach this milestone.”

Cox recognized the graduate’s supporters who helped them through their education at TCAT.

“I want to extend my appreciation to those here to support our graduates for all the support given to graduates during their time enrolled at TCAT Morristown.”

The guest speaker for the evening, Daniel Aldridge, supervisor of Career and Technical Education at Hamblen County Schools, highlighted the importance of having technical skills.

Aldridge began by discussing his past and his passion for machinery.

“I was not the stand out student, I was more interested in sports than my education,” Aldridge said. “It wasn’t until high school that I became more interested in school.

“When I got to high school I found a machinery class and connected with a teacher there named Bob Coffee. Mr. Coffee and that class changed my life.”

“I had struggled with Math, probably because it didn’t interest me, but through hands-on learning I found value in it. My math increased because I was able to apply that knowledge to real world applications.”

Aldridge explained how an apprenticeship with a local manufacturing company was a stepping stone for his career.

“During my time in high school I found an apprenticeship program with MAHLE and I started the 4 year program as a junior in high school,” he said. “The focus of the apprenticeship was learning skilled traits, the machining skills set me up to be successful in the future.”

Aldridge discussed how after completing the program he was asked to return to his alma mater to help students just as he was years before.

“Shortly after completing the program I was offered the opportunity to go back and teach the machine program I participated in high school,” he said.

“I was a little reluctant but I had someone who mentored me and changed my life and I thought if I could go back and do that for someone else I should. It was my opportunity to give back. Little did I know that it would lead me to wear what I am today and open as many doors as it did for me.

“During my tenure at Morristown-Hamblen High School West I was given the opportunity to start a pre-engineering program that was something new to high schools in the state. Now it has grown into such a bigger program that helps teach students a variety of technical skills.

Aldridge discussed the growing needs of individuals with technical skills in the work force and how far the demand has grown.

“When I was in high school the goal was to get a four year degree,” he said. “You weren’t deemed successful unless you had that degree.”

“You all are a part of a shift of education that focuses and sees the importance of technical and skilled trades.

“The shortage of those with those skills is huge across the country and it excites me to see the number of students here tonight graduating with those skills.

As parting words, Aldridge gave students advice on how to further their careers and better themselves as workers.

“Don’t sell yourself short and don’t stop here,” he said. “There are three key things that I want to point out that will help you in the future.”

“Show up early, work hard and stay until the job is complete. Those three things will create opportunities for you down the road.”

Before leaving the podium he offered a scripture to graduates to lead them on their journey.

Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Following the graduation ceremony TCAT held the Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony, where 24 students walked across the stage to receive their pin.

Before the ceremony ended each graduate received a lamp and took part in the Florence Nightingale Pledge.

The graduates pledged to practice their profession faithfully and devote their life “to the welfare of those committed to care.”

The graduation ceremony can be viewed on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Morristown’s Facebook page.

For more information about TCAT Morristown, visit its webpage or call 423-586-5771.