TBR Partners with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce to Launch Be Pro Be Proud TN, Showcasing Skilled-Profession Careers
Gallatin — TBR – The College System of Tennessee and its member community colleges and colleges of applied technology (TCATs) have partnered with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and industries across the state to launch Be Pro Be Proud TN, a statewide tour showcasing skilled-profession careers in Tennessee. The tour kicked off in Gallatin at Vol State Community College on October 12th.
Be Pro Be Proud TN aims to bring a new generation of pride and professionals to the state’s skilled workforce, specifically among students weighing their options after graduation. Students will learn that many of these skilled jobs are not only high-paying but in demand and have long-term career prospects.
Tennessee’s community colleges and TCATs throughout the state offer low-cost, often tuition-free training through programs like TN Promise and TN Reconnect that align directly with local industry needs. The system of colleges serves upwards of 110,000 students annually. Students can earn associate degrees, technical certificates, and diplomas and continue their education at colleges and universities. College locations span the state and offer more than 640 programs of study.
“Partnerships like Be Pro Be Proud TN play an important role not only in educating students on career possibilities in Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields, but also in supporting their pursuit of a postsecondary credential,” said Dr. Heidi Leming, Vice Chancellor for Student Success at TBR. “Students and adults who pursue a postsecondary credential set themselves on a path to not only provide economic stability but earn significantly more over the course of their lifetime than those who do not pursue a postsecondary credential or degree.”
Prospective students and visitors at stops along the Be Pro Be Proud TN tour will experience hands-on module simulators for forklift operation, commercial driving, welding, and more. In addition to the hands-on simulations, visitors will walk away with information on training resources and what it takes to start a skilled professional career. The tour will cover the state, visiting schools, fairs, career centers, conventions and government events.
The idea for this mobile workshop comes from Arkansas, where Be Pro Be Proud was created in 2016. More than 98,000 individuals have participated in their 540-stop tour that spanned 285 cities.
"The Tennessee Chamber and our industry partners are excited to partner with TBR to launch this one-of-a-kind program that provides students with the opportunity to explore their future and the in-demand career options available, " said Tennessee Chamber President and CEO Bradley Jackson. "Partnering with TBR, we appreciate the support of Governor Lee and our legislature and their vision to enhance our workforce. We are confident that Be Pro Be Proud TN will help to close the gap between job seekers and employers' needs for a qualified workforce."
Be Pro Be Proud TN is a convenient opportunity for students to explore the many career options available and learn about the skills and training needed to pursue a career in the skilled professions.
More information, including scheduled tour stops, can be found at https://beprobeproudtn.org and at https://tbr.edu.
Photo: Tennessee Chamber of Commerce
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.