REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS PARTNER TO PROMOTE TENNESSEE TECHNICAL EDUCATION

CLEVELAND, TN --  Today, Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., visited major employer Wacker Chemical in Charleston, Bradley County, culminating a busy week in which the Republican representative also toured vocational programs supplying advanced manufacturers across Tennessee’s Fourth District with skilled employees. 

    “It was a pleasure meeting the dedicated students at Warren County High School, Motlow Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, producing graduates who will find high-paying jobs in our state’s surging manufacturing sector,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “I’m thrilled so many Tennesseans are passionate about science and technology, have the knowledge to create exciting new products, and are having success in their chosen fields.”

    “Tennessee is a technical education leader, and in Congress, I’m working to propel us to even greater heights.”

    Rep. DesJarlais visits students at Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Warren County

    In Congress, Rep. DesJarlais voted for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which would grow vocational training in rural areas, target in-demand manufacturing jobs and simplify federal grants. He voted to increase funding for career and technical education grants and is an original co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation, the DOE National Labs Jobs Access Act, to create apprenticeship programs at the Department of Energy.

    As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he supports the local aerospace and defense industrial base. His work on the House Agriculture Committee includes rural education and development. “The economy is strong. However, an impediment to continued job growth is the skills gap. Hundreds of thousands of jobs requiring improved technical education remain unfilled,” said Rep. DesJarlais.

    “I’m glad to see students training in robotics, welding and more. Wacker Chemical has an excellent partnership with community colleges.”

    At today’s event in Charleston, Rep. DesJarlais received recognition for his work to save jobs in Bradley County. He recently helped to produce a unanimous decision at the International Trade Commission that stopped a potential disruption to Wacker’s supply chain.

    The Congressman addresses business leaders and educators at Wacker

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