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KNOXVILLE, TN. (May 28) — Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville is proud to partner with The Systems Group to launch a Registered Apprenticeship Program designed to prepare students for specialized careers in industrial construction and refractory work.
Newly approved through the Tennessee Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, the four-year program combines 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job learning with 590 hours of classroom instruction provided by TCAT Knoxville.
The apprenticeship was uniquely customized through collaboration between TCAT Knoxville and The Systems Group to meet the company’s workforce needs while giving students long-term, transferable skills in multiple trades. The program combines elements of TCAT Knoxville’s Plumbing and Pipefitting program with Masonry-related training to create a highly specialized workforce pathway for industrial projects.
As part of the partnership, 12 current TCAT Knoxville students will travel to Alabama to work on an active project with The Systems Group, gaining real-world experience while earning progressive wages starting at $22 per hour and increasing up to $29 per hour throughout the apprenticeship.
Students will receive hands-on training in industrial masonry, refractory installation, blueprint reading, mortar application, repair work and construction layout while working alongside experienced professionals in the field. Apprentices will also gain experience working with high-temperature industrial equipment such as kilns, furnaces and ovens.
“This partnership reflects the power of industry and education working together to create opportunities for students,” said TCAT Knoxville President Kelli Chaney. “By combining multiple skill sets into one customized apprenticeship, students are graduating with broader experience, stronger career potential and the specialized training employers are actively seeking.”
The apprenticeship standards received official approval from the State Apprenticeship Director on May 22, 2026.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities through TCAT Knoxville, email workforce@tcatknoxville.edu.
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About TCAT Knoxville
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville is at the forefront of technical education, offering a diverse range of programs that equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce. As part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system and accredited by the COE, TCAT Knoxville ensures a high-quality educational experience focused on student success and job placement. TCAT Knoxville is led by President Kelli Chaney.