TBR, Jackson State, TCAT Jackson & Greater Jackson Chamber host West TN Nuclear Summit 

Jackson State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Jackson, the Greater Jackson Chamber and nuclear and nuclear supply chain industry partners gathered for the first-ever West Tennessee Nuclear Summit on Sept. 30. This inspiring event brought together leaders from across Tennessee to share insights about business and job opportunities that support the region's and state’s continued nuclear energy resurgence. This summit illustrated how committed partners continue working together to support nuclear and nuclear-related workforces capable of meeting immediate, emerging and long-term industry demands.

The nuclear energy industry is one of four major workforce development priorities for TBR - The College System of Tennessee in 2026. While Oak Ridge remains the technological heart of this pivotal industry sector, there are more than 229 nuclear and nuclear-related industries, featuring more than 350 locations spread throughout the state.  

Tennessee's community and technical colleges play a major role in addressing workforce gaps in the industry. These colleges have leveraged funding and in-kind support from industry leaders, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Y-12 National Security Complex and others, to establish new nuclear programs. 

Community colleges offer direct entry into the nuclear workforce, including Chattanooga State Community College's nuclear power engineering program, Roane State Community College's nuclear technology program and Pellissippi State's chemical radiation technology program. All were developed alongside nuclear industry professionals, and they are designed to scale quickly as demand grows.

Technical colleges also provide expedited nuclear-related training pathways for both high school and adult learners seeking high-paying, stable careers. These include trucking, welding, electrical maintenance, machining, HVAC, plumbing and building construction.

Visit TBR's nuclear energy microsite to learn more about the College System's ongoing efforts to address state and national workforce demands in the nuclear energy industry.