What educational institutions are available in Cobb County. How does the local school system compare nationally. Which universities offer specialized programs in the area. What are the unique features of each college in Cobb County.
Overview of Higher Education in Cobb County
Cobb County, Georgia, boasts a rich educational landscape with seven colleges and universities within its borders. This diverse array of institutions caters to a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations. Beyond the county limits, an additional ten colleges and universities lie within a 25-mile radius, including renowned institutions such as Georgia Technical Institute (Georgia Tech), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Emory University.
The proximity to these prestigious institutions enhances the educational opportunities available to Cobb County residents, creating a vibrant academic ecosystem that fosters innovation, research, and professional development.
Educational Diversity in Cobb County
The educational institutions in Cobb County offer a diverse range of programs, from technical certifications to doctoral degrees. This variety ensures that students can find a program tailored to their specific needs and goals. The presence of both public and private institutions, as well as traditional and non-traditional learning formats, provides flexibility for students of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Kennesaw State University: A Pillar of Higher Education
Kennesaw State University (KSU) stands out as a major educational institution in Cobb County. As the third-largest university in Georgia, KSU has established itself as a cornerstone of higher education in the region.
- Enrollment: Over 35,000 students (as of fall 2016)
- Programs: Nearly 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
- Student Organizations: More than 200, including student governance and Greek letter organizations
- Campuses: Two main campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia
- Athletics: NCAA Division I program with 18 varsity sports teams
KSU’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its consistent recognition in national rankings, including those by U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and the Princeton Review. The university’s diverse academic offerings, spanning 13 colleges across its two campuses, provide students with a comprehensive educational experience.
KSU’s Impact on the Community
How does Kennesaw State University contribute to the local economy and workforce? KSU plays a significant role in shaping the regional workforce by producing skilled graduates across various disciplines. The university’s research initiatives and community partnerships also drive innovation and economic development in Cobb County and beyond.
Saint Leo University: Bringing Catholic Education to Cobb County
Saint Leo University, while headquartered in Florida, has established a significant presence in Cobb County through its Marietta Education Center. This private, Roman Catholic liberal arts university offers a unique educational experience tailored to the needs of adult learners.
- National Ranking: One of the five largest Catholic colleges in the United States
- Enrollment: Over 16,000 students across all campuses and online programs
- Marietta Education Center Offerings: 3 associate, 10 bachelor, and 2 master programs
- Faculty-Student Ratio: 25:1 at the Marietta Education Center
Saint Leo’s Marietta Education Center is designed to accommodate busy adult students, offering flexible class schedules and affordable tuition. The university’s commitment to serving active-duty military members, veterans, and their families has positioned it as a leading provider of education to these groups.
The Advantages of a Catholic Liberal Arts Education
What benefits does a Catholic liberal arts education offer to students in Cobb County? A Catholic liberal arts education provides students with a well-rounded academic foundation, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and personal growth. This approach prepares graduates not only for successful careers but also for meaningful contributions to their communities.
Shorter University: Christian Education with a Local Focus
Shorter University, based in Rome, Georgia, extends its reach to Cobb County through its Marietta campus. This private, Christian liberal arts university offers a range of programs that blend academic rigor with faith-based values.
- Programs: Over 40 undergraduate study programs and several graduate degrees
- Enrollment: Nearly 2,000 students
- Delivery Methods: On-site and online programs available
- Athletics: NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference member (since 2014)
Shorter University’s presence in Marietta provides Cobb County residents with access to a Christian-oriented education without the need to relocate. The university’s transition from college to university status in 2010 reflects its growth and expanded academic offerings.
Integrating Faith and Learning
How does Shorter University incorporate Christian principles into its academic programs? Shorter University integrates faith-based perspectives into its curriculum, encouraging students to explore the intersection of their academic disciplines with Christian values. This approach aims to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also ethically grounded.
DeVry University: Career-Focused Education in Cobb County
DeVry University, a for-profit institution with a history dating back to 1931, offers career-oriented programs in Cobb County. With its focus on practical skills and industry-relevant education, DeVry caters to students seeking direct pathways to professional success.
- National Presence: 55 campuses across the United States
- Total Enrollment: Over 45,000 students
- Program Areas: Business and Management, Engineering and Information Science, Health Science, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Media Arts and Technology
- Graduate Studies: Keller Graduate School of Management
DeVry’s Cobb County campus provides local students with access to both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet the demands of the modern job market. The university’s emphasis on technology and business-oriented programs aligns with the growing industries in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
The Role of For-Profit Universities in Higher Education
What unique advantages do for-profit universities like DeVry offer to students? For-profit universities often provide flexible scheduling options, online learning platforms, and accelerated degree programs that cater to working adults and non-traditional students. They also tend to have strong connections with industry partners, potentially facilitating job placements for graduates.
Life University: A Hub for Chiropractic and Wellness Education
Life University, situated on a sprawling 100-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, has carved out a unique niche in the field of chiropractic and wellness education. While offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Life University is primarily known for its specialized focus.
- Distinction: Largest single-campus chiropractic school globally
- Enrollment: Nearly 3,000 students
- Flagship Program: Doctor of Chiropractic degree
- Focus: Wellness-oriented fields
Life University’s presence in Cobb County establishes the area as a center for chiropractic education and research. The university’s commitment to holistic health and wellness aligns with growing trends in healthcare and preventive medicine.
The Impact of Specialized Institutions on Local Healthcare
How does Life University’s specialization in chiropractic and wellness education influence healthcare practices in Cobb County? The concentration of chiropractic professionals and wellness experts graduating from Life University likely contributes to a robust alternative and complementary healthcare sector in the region. This may lead to increased access to diverse treatment options for local residents and potentially influence broader healthcare practices in the area.
Chattahoochee Technical College: Bridging Education and Industry Needs
Chattahoochee Technical College plays a crucial role in Cobb County’s educational landscape by offering technical and vocational training as part of the Technical College System of Georgia. With its multiple campuses and diverse program offerings, Chattahoochee Tech serves as a vital link between education and industry needs.
- Campus Network: 8 campuses across 6 counties in north Georgia
- Program Diversity: Over 70 programs of study
- Credential Options: Degree, diploma, and certificate programs
- Key Study Areas: Business Science, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Health Science, Personal and Public Services, Technical Studies
- Flexible Learning: Day, evening, weekend, and online classes available
Chattahoochee Technical College’s extensive program offerings and flexible scheduling options make it an accessible choice for students seeking practical, career-oriented education. The college’s strong ties to local industries ensure that its programs remain relevant to the job market.
The Role of Technical Colleges in Workforce Development
How do technical colleges like Chattahoochee Tech contribute to economic growth in Cobb County? Technical colleges play a crucial role in workforce development by providing targeted training programs that align with local industry needs. By producing skilled graduates in high-demand fields, these institutions help attract and retain businesses, ultimately contributing to economic growth and stability in the region.
Georgia Highlands College: Expanding Educational Access
Georgia Highlands College, a multi-campus state college, extends its reach into Cobb County, offering a range of associate and bachelor’s degree programs. This institution plays a vital role in making higher education accessible to a broad spectrum of students across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama.
- Service Area: Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama
- Student Population: Over 6,000 students
- Program Offerings: More than 30 areas of study
- Degree Options: Associate and bachelor’s degrees
- Learning Formats: In-classroom and online classes available
Georgia Highlands College’s presence in Cobb County provides local students with affordable pathways to higher education, including options for those who may later wish to transfer to four-year institutions. The college’s diverse program offerings cater to a wide range of academic and career interests.
The Importance of Accessible Higher Education
What role do institutions like Georgia Highlands College play in promoting educational equity? Colleges like Georgia Highlands are instrumental in promoting educational equity by providing affordable, accessible higher education options. These institutions often serve as entry points for first-generation college students, working adults, and others who might face barriers to traditional four-year universities, thereby expanding educational opportunities within the community.
Cobb County School District: Laying the Foundation for Higher Education
While not a higher education institution itself, the Cobb County School District (CCSD) plays a crucial role in preparing students for college and career success. As the second-largest school system in Georgia and the 23rd largest in the nation, CCSD significantly influences the educational landscape of Cobb County.
- State Ranking: 2nd largest school system in Georgia
- National Ranking: 23rd largest in the United States
- Student Population: Nearly 113,000 students
The size and quality of the Cobb County School District contribute to the overall educational ecosystem of the region. Strong K-12 education prepares students for success in higher education, whether they choose to attend local institutions or pursue opportunities elsewhere.
The Connection Between K-12 and Higher Education
How does the strength of the Cobb County School District impact local colleges and universities? A robust K-12 education system like CCSD can significantly benefit local higher education institutions by producing well-prepared students. This can lead to higher college enrollment rates, better academic performance at the college level, and potentially increased retention and graduation rates for local universities and colleges.
The educational landscape of Cobb County offers a diverse array of options for students at all levels. From the comprehensive programs at Kennesaw State University to the specialized focus of Life University, and from the technical training at Chattahoochee Technical College to the liberal arts education at Shorter University, the county provides a rich tapestry of educational opportunities. This variety not only serves the local population but also attracts students from across the region and beyond, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of Cobb County.
As the educational sector continues to evolve, Cobb County’s institutions are well-positioned to adapt and grow, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of academic excellence and workforce development. The synergy between these various educational entities, from K-12 through higher education, creates a robust ecosystem that supports lifelong learning and professional advancement for residents of Cobb County and the surrounding areas.
Education in Cobb County | Cobb County Georgia
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Higher Education
Seven Colleges and Universities are located in Cobb County. Ten colleges and universities are located within 25 miles of Cobb County, including Georgia Technical Institute (Georgia Tech), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Emory University.
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Colleges and Universities in Cobb
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state with more than 35,000 students enrolled in the fall of 2016. It offers nearly 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and more than 200 student organizations ranging from student governance to Greek letter organizations. Kennesaw State offers 13 colleges on two campuses located in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia.
KSU is consistently recognized in national rankings such as U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, American Council of Trustees and Alumni and the Princeton Review. Kennesaw State’s NCAA Division I athletics program offers 18 varsity sports teams and in 2015, Kennesaw State University launched its first football program.
Saint Leo University
St. Leo is a private, Roman Catholic liberal arts university located in St. Leo, Florida. St. Leo is one of the five largest Catholic colleges in the United States and enrolls students at several locations through its main campus, centers for online learning, and remote education centers. The Marietta Education Center offers flexible class schedules, affordable tuition, outstanding faculty and an environment tailored to busy adult students. This education center boasts a faculty-student ratio of 25:1. This location offers three associate, ten bachelor and two master programs.
There are more than 16,000 students enrolled at St. Leo, with the majority taking advantage of the opportunity of online and remote-center learning. St. Leo is one of the leading providers of education to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Shorter University
Shorter University is a private liberal arts university located in Rome, Georgia. Shorter adheres to Christian principles and has several remote campuses across the Atlanta area, including Marietta. They offer bachelor’s degrees in more than 40 study programs as well as graduate degrees. Study programs are offered on site and online. Nearly 2,000 students are enrolled at Shorter. Previously known as Shorter College, Shorter adopted the University title in 2010 and in 2014, the Shorter Hawks became part of the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference.
DeVry University
DeVry is a for-profit college that was founded in 1931.
More than 45,000 students are enrolled at DeVry at their 55 campuses in the United States. DeVry offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas of study such as Business and Management, Engineering and Information Science, Health Science, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Media Arts and Technology and the Keller Graduate School of Management.
Life University
Life University is a private university located on 100 acres of wooded land in Marietta, Georgia. Although they offer several undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Life is best known for its Doctor of Chiropractic degree program and their focus on wellness-oriented fields. Life University is the largest single campus chiropractic school in the world and currently enrolls nearly 3,000 students.
Chattahoochee Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College offers education and training as part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
They are located on eight campuses in six counties in north Georgia. Chattahoochee Tech offers more than 70 programs of study including degree, diploma and certificate programs. The five key study areas are Business Science, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Health Science, Personal and Public Services and Technical Studies. Classes are offered during the day, evening, weekend and online to give students an abundance of opportunity to complete their education.
Georgia Highlands College
Georgia Highlands College is a multi-campus, state college. Georgia Highlands serves over 6,000 students across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama. There are currently over 30 areas of study with associate and bachelor’s degree options offered at Georgia Highlands College; classes are available both in the classroom and online.
Cobb County School District
The Cobb County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in Georgia and the 23rd largest in the nation.
It serves nearly 113,00 students with 112 schools, including 67 elementary schools, 25 middle schools, 16 high schools, one charter school, one special education center, one adult education center and one performance learning center.
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Marietta City Schools
Marietta City Schools (MCS) serves 8,900 students and is Georgia’s first Charter School System and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School District. MCS offers eight elementary choice schools, one sixth-grade school, one middle school and one high school. STEM certified programs are offered in one MCS elementary school, the sixth-grade school and the middle school. The middle school is also recognized as a Georgia Lighthouse School to Watch (2012, 2015).
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Best Community Colleges in Cobb County, GA (2023)
For the 2023 school year, there are 3 community colleges serving 10,606 students in Cobb County County, Georgia.
The average community college acceptance rate in Georgia is 80% (view national acceptance rates).
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.
Top Ranked Cobb County Community Colleges (2023)
College
Location
Students
Fortis College-Smyrna
Public
Add to Compare
2140 South Cobb Drive
Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 980-0002
| 678 students
Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta
Private for-profit
Add to Compare
2359 Windy Hill Road
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 226-0056
| 496 students
Chattahoochee Technical College
Public
Add to Compare
980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 528-4545
| 9,432 students
[+] Show Closed Community Colleges in Cobb County, GA
Community Colleges in Cobb County, GA (Closed)
School
Location
Students
ITT Technical Institute-Kennesaw (Closed 2016)
Private, for profit
2065 ITT Tech Way N.W.
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 426-2300
| 383 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many community colleges are located in Cobb County, GA?
There are 3 community colleges serving 10,606 students in Cobb County, GA.
What is community college acceptance rate in Cobb County, GA?
The average community college acceptance rate in Georgia is 80% (view national acceptance rates).
How diverse are community college in Cobb County, GA?
Cobb County, GA community college are approximately 49% minority students (majority Black).
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9 Online Colleges in Georgia No Entry Fee 2023
The truth remains that not everyone will make it through the 4 walls of college, but that doesn’t mean those who can’t get through should just let fate decide their careers . One of the good things COVID-19 brought to us was that colleges that never planned to accept online tuition start considering it quickly, while those that already provided online program had to improve it with the latest technology.
Even some colleges have started teaching their professors how to use online interactive tools to properly lecture their online students.
In addition, some schools have had to lower the cost of teaching students online, and some in Georgia have even gone so far as to waive application fees so that students can apply to desired colleges.
Most importantly, because these online colleges in Georgia do not offer application fees does not mean that they are bad, in fact, most of them rank first in many online degrees and courses.
Let’s list these schools without further ado.
Online Colleges in Georgia No Admission Fee
Online Colleges in Georgia No Admission Fee
entry fee. He has built a strong community of educators who will deliver exactly what students learn on campus to online students. Essentially, online students will receive the same quality and the same support and will be able to build strong relationships with faculty and students.
Herzing University, founded in 1965, is a private non-profit institution. is recognized by US News & World Report as one of the “Best Online Undergraduate Programs” for the tenth consecutive year .
This online college offers a wide range of programs in 7 schools:
- School of Nursing
- Behavioral health programs
- Health programs
- Legal Studies Programs
- Public safety programs
- Business programs
- Technology programs
What’s more, many of their online programs provide pathways for lifelong learning, which means you can progress from your junior degree to a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree. Also, some of their programs are 100% online and some are hybrid, meaning they are a combination of both online and on campus.
Learn more!
2. Strayer University (Cobb County, GA)
This is one of the no-fee online universities in Georgia that rewards your success with financial savings. This means that when you successfully complete any 3 classes, you will receive a free course from them to be used at the end of your program.
In addition, they go even further by providing students with a brand new laptop that gives them a bachelor’s degree, and they provide their students with both scholarships and tuition discounts.
The school offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and certificate courses in 6 areas of study, namely Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Information Technology, Health and Public Administration.
Learn more!
3. Wesleyan College (Macon, Georgia)
Wesleyan College will forever be remembered as the first college in the world to be awarded degrees to women. Also, due to their consistency in diversity and multicultural hospitality, Niche.com ranked them as the 4th most diverse college in Georgia.
The school provides many 100% online programs for which you don’t have to pay a penny for an enrollment fee. In addition, the school provides year-round admission, which gives you the opportunity to enroll at a convenient time for you.
Wesleyan College even provides various types of financial aid and scholarships to its online students, including; Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship, Stafford Federal Direct Loans and many more.
Learn more!
4. Southern University (Savannah, Georgia)
This is one of the online colleges in Georgia that has no admission fee and all of its faculty members are committed to helping students succeed in life and career. Southern University also brings real life experiences to its classrooms to help students gain hands-on experience in their fields.
Their 100% online program gives you the ability to take classes anywhere, anytime, day or night. They provide Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD and Certificate courses in 8 areas of study, namely Nursing, Business & Technology, Criminal Justice & Legal Studies, Public Health, Public Health, Theology, Counseling & Psychology, Public Administration.
Learn more!
5. Trutt McConnell University (Cleveland, Georgia)
This is another no-fee online university in Georgia that has been teaching Bible education to its students for over 70 years.
Trutt McConnell University is also ranked among the top 25 online colleges in Georgia.
And their online bachelor’s and master’s degrees are taught from a Christian perspective. They provide various programs, some of the popular ones include;
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Christian Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
- Master of Theology
- Master of Business Administration
- Divinity Master
- Master of Arts in Global Studies.
Learn more!
6. Brenau University (Gainesville, Georgia)
This is one of the online universities in Georgia with no admission fee, where students can turn their passions into a career. Brenau University was founded in 1878 and is one of the few educational institutions that started teaching women early.
In addition, they launched their first online program in 1998, and since then they have excelled in their teachings and have improved with the pace of technological innovation in our world. Their online programs include;
- Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business
- Bachelor of Science in Health Management
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Accounting Master
- Associate in the Humanities
Learn more!
7. Point University
Point University is one of the private liberal arts online universities in Georgia with no admission fee. Students learn how to influence a culture for Christ in all areas of life. They provide over 20 online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in popular fields such as business administration, criminal justice, information technology, psychology, accounting, marketing, and transformational ministry.
Learn more!
8. Agnes Scott College (Decatur, GA)
This is one of the few online colleges in Georgia that does not charge admission fees and is exclusively for women. With the expertise of Agnes Scott College, they are recognized as Best Innovative, Best Freshman, 3rd Best Undergraduate Teaching by US News and World Report.
In addition, their continuing education programs include;
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist
- Full Stack Software Developer
- Medical billing and coding training
- Senior Human Resources Specialist
9. Piedmont College
Piedmont College makes sure their faculty members provide the same quality of learning as their on-campus students and their online students, and their faculty members give their students individual attention. Students can also interact with other online students and build constructive relationships with them.
They only provide 2 online undergraduate programs: Criminal Justice and Business Administration. Whereas they provide so many graduate programs which include;
- Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Special Education Master
Etc.
Conclusion
Georgia is one of the US states that fully understand that all students cannot study on campus and also understand that some of these students do not have a lot of financial aid, so they made some of their programs available without any help. application fee.
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The US is building factories again, but who will work on them? — Anna Arndt on vc.ru
The US quest to compete with China in manufacturing requires a large skilled workforce. The Tennessee experiment with free tech schools and partnerships with giants like Volkswagen and Nissan is the way to build a talent pool. Recent decades of degraded US manufacturing and a skilled labor market for industry have meant that almost everything Americans buy has moved to Asia. The revival of the industry requires trained personnel, which the United States simply does not have in the right numbers. One of the major challenges is to shape an attractive career path at the factory for digitally minded youth.
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Bloomberg talks about an unusual practice for the United States – free education for schoolchildren and adults.
The Tennessee College of Applied Sciences conglomerate has been teaching tech skills to high school graduates and adults for free for 10 years. This was made possible by state subsidies. The state is looking to invest another $1 billion in training as global concerns like Nissan and Ford reopen factories and need skilled workers. Studying at Tennessee College allows factory workers to earn higher salaries upon graduation, which ensures sustained interest in college. Ford is partnering with the college to open an on-site training center to provide the company with workers with the skills it needs. The small town of Stanton, home to 417 residents, will grow to 10,000 people by 2035, when Ford has been building electric cars there for 10 years.
In the mid-2010s, with a limited number of electric cars roaming the streets of Tennessee, the state launched an initiative, unusual in the United States, to provide free technical college education to almost any adult.
Half a decade has passed, and electric cars have become the center of the most ambitious industrial revolution in the US since World War II.
The Tennessee initiative paid off and did more than expected. State allocates $1 billion to develop technical colleges.
State funding for the electric car industry is driving more than $100 billion in investment. Every state wants a piece of the pie, and Tennessee is getting it. This is a key milestone in the new Battery Belt stretching from Michigan to Georgia. Since 2017, electric car startups have received more than $16 billion in investment. Last year Ford Motor Co. announced the construction of a huge factory near Memphis. The factory should open in 2025 and produce millions of electric cars a year.
However, launch plans and strategic technology leadership claims may not materialize due to a shortage of skilled labor. Also, all these plans mean new requirements for technical education across America.
Interviews with dozens of experts—including top corporate executives, analysts, officials, state and government officials—reveal the formidable challenge that even a state like Tennessee faces.
America will have to shape the appeal of manufacturing to digitally tuned teens and tailor vocational schools to business needs. This is precisely the area where the US, after decades of de-industrialization, lags far behind global industrial economies such as Germany.
Location of battery production (including future) in the USA
The Tennessee College of Applied Sciences (TCAT) campus is located in Smyrna, Cobb County, Georgia. One of the college’s classrooms is shaped like an auto repair shop, the other is equipped with robots that are twice the size of a human.
Free college education in the USA – in Tennessee
TCAT College has been operating since the 1960s. Since 2002, college education has been free for new students who graduate from the school, thanks to state legislation. Around the same time, the college began teaching free adult education. The college has about 34,000 students in various educational institutions under the auspices of TCAT.
The state is about to invest nearly $1 billion in college education, and businesses are already looking to partner with the institution.
TCAT Smyrna Campus partnered with Nissan Motor Co. in 2017. The latter’s electric car factory is located near the college and produces Leaf models. Company interns and college students listen to lectures and do practical exercises: study the theory and practice of pipe welding, troubleshoot hydraulic pipes, program robots that move battery components.
The Ford plant is about to build a training campus on its premises.
The expansion of college programs to meet the challenges of industry requires an increasing number of students interested in careers in factories. And this is just the main problem.
Matthew Overbay, Director of Manufacturing Strategy at Nissan: “ Working in a factory has become a stigma. Many people remember that their grandparents worked in factories. And nobody wants to work there .”
Degradation of the professional labor market for industry in the US
After decades of degrading the labor market for industrial production, everything that Americans buy has moved to Asia.
Only 8% of the entire US workforce works in manufacturing – half of what it was in the early 1990s. Similar changes are taking place in Europe, but countries such as Germany have long invested in the training of technical personnel for the development of industry in their country.
Nissan pioneered the electric car industry in Tennessee when it launched the Leaf in Smyrna about ten years ago. Matthew Overbay: Now the factory is short of workers.
Alexander Nunez-Patino, 19, TCAT student
Alexander felt pressure from his father to enter the 4-year education program. Friends also invited him to go to Tennessee College with them. Some of his peers immediately went to work without college. But there is no one right way.
Alexander: « I wanted to start doing something right away. But I didn’t want to drop out of school” . He went to the college campus and looked and admired the classrooms. « I realized that there will be practice here» .
He is now studying industrial equipment maintenance in college. « I can become an electrician. I can build cars. I can repair them. I have a lot of options now.”
Alexander, like many other young people, says he didn’t hear about TCAT when he was in school. He learned about college from his sister. This suggests that states still have a lot of work to do to popularize their training programs.
There is one indicator of the state’s program success. The number of applicants for dual-purpose programs (where students go to college before graduating) has tripled since 2016. Tennessee College accepts students in the 9th grade of the 10th grade. Matthew Gann, Head of Public Service Marketing, School Board of Regents: The goal is to create a long-term pool of talent, starting in elementary school.
College competes with gas station jobs: Tennessee earns $22 an hour there
In a highly competitive post-pandemic job market, college graduates have a lot of opportunities.
US unemployment is just 2.6% in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the German concern Volkswagen AG has a factory. This plant also gives a low unemployment rate. Wages, especially for college graduates, have always been on the rise here.
Jeff Sisk, head of job center at conglomerate TCAT: In an attempt to attract young people, the Tennessee college competes with other types of institutions, such as universities and public colleges. Jeff Sisk: “ For the first time in a long time, we are competing with employers.” We are talking about wages at local Buc-ee’s gas stations. “ You can make $22 an hour at a gas station in Tennessee.”
TCAT courses have long gone beyond industry programs. In college, you can study everything from courses for nursing to beautician. Some traditional programs have students on waiting lists, but in general, adults have seen a steady increase in enrollment over the past five years. Since the pandemic, there has been a surge in demand for training programs at TCAT, and an increasing number of students are already working in local factories.
Richard Lambert worked at the Nissan plant for 13 years
Most of the time he was a stamper, fitting large sheets of metal into melt molds for doors and hoods. « After some time, I began to feel like just a robot. And I liked the idea of using my brains more and being critical thinking .”
The 37-year-old Richard is now part of TCAT’s growing machine tool program. Upon completion of the program, he will become a tool and die maker. He will create and maintain the melting molds needed to release the machine components. This will give him an extra $10 an hour.
Earning potential is a key factor in attracting students to TCAT programs. Without this factor, many parents were very skeptical about attending a technical college. Mike Schoen, Richard’s teacher, highlights this factor. He takes students around the classroom, resembling a large warehouse, where lathes and milling machines clang. He claims that a graduate of the program receives $1,200 worth of tools and earns between $40,000 and $65,000 a year.
In addition, graduates do not have student debts. The employment rate is 100%.
Demographics a long-term issue for US factories
Tennessee, like most states in the US, recorded more deaths than births in 2022. The working-age population is 59.2%, placing the state in the top 10 of the 50 states with the lowest working-age population.
Cheryl Williams, Vice President, Student Services Center at TCAT Murfreesboro: In Rutherford County, where Nissan’s plant is located, nearly half of schoolchildren do not go on to study or go to work.
Tennessee can fill out-of-state workforce. He does. Good weather, affordable prices and cultural life helped the state attract a record number of visitors last year. Nearly 81,000 new residents came to the city. Migrants are good for a hub city in the southeast of the country, but they are not quite the kind of migrants that regional leaders want to see in places like Ford’s BlueOval City plant.
State Administration: Factory jobs must be offered to local residents first
Amity Schuyler, Senior Vice President of Human Resources Development at Greater Memphis Chamber: “ We made it clear to manufacturers like Ford that the jobs we create must be local first.
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Industrialists should not only attract talent, but also empower local residents—including those who live inside Memphis, where there are many blacks and low-income families—” improve their education and apply for jobs” . To help these families, the state is planning to build a 104,000-square-foot learning center in Memphis that will also be a transportation hub and have a day care center.
Years of government and industry efforts were put to the test last year when the Volkswagen Group decided to hire staff in Chattanooga for a third shift at a factory that makes ID.4 electric cars.
What Volkswagen does in the US to recruit
Based on experience in Germany, Volkswagen has already worked closely with local training institutions. Digital industrial studios were placed in schools. High school students could study in classrooms at the Volkswagen production site at the Mechatronics Academy. Chattanooga State Community College has a joint program with the concern, where students not only study in the classroom, but also train at the factory.
Volkswagen also hosts regular job fairs for military veterans, targeted advertising campaigns, and offers bonuses and retention programs. The concern received 14,000 applications from candidates, that is, 10 resumes for 1 vacancy. Most candidates came from communities within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga.
If Tennessee can find staff, there will be even more vacancies. The state wants to attract not just individual EV manufacturers, but nearly the entire supply chain, from parts makers for giants like Volkswagen or Nissan to high-paying R&D jobs. Burkhard Ulrich, SVP Human Resources, Volkswagen Chattanooga: “If we recruit and our suppliers don’t, it won’t help. We must develop the entire chain.”
Stanton – the future city of the Ford plant
Stanton is a small community 50 miles from Memphis that is at the center of transformation. Mayor Allan Sterbinsky expects the population to grow from 417 to 10,000 by 20235. By 2035, Ford will have been producing trucks in the village for ten years.
