With a focus on mechatronics several students in Copper Basin High School’s Career and Technical Education Advanced Manufacturing program earned their OSHA 10 industry certification.

The students are Josh Proffitt, Hector Pagan, Carson Burkett, Patrick Barredo, Gunner Collins, Cade English, Corben Bailey and Peyton Daves.
These students are on their way to learning how to operate, maintain and repair automated manufacturing systems. Higher education opportunities include Cleveland State Mechatronics Technology, Athens TCAT Electro-Mechanical, Chattanooga State VW Academy and Wacker Institute. 

These advanced educational opportunities are free to students through the FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Tennessee Promise Scholarship programs; however, the student must complete the application process to qualify.

Potential future employers include Volkswagen, Wacker, Whirlpool, Denso, McKee Foods and Amazon Fulfillment Centers. 

According to www.glassdoor.com, the 2017 average salary for mechatronic engineers in the Chattanooga area is $91,000 annually, and $119,000 nationally.

Technology teachers Steve Tompkins CBHS and Austin Silvers PCHS will be completing their advanced industry certifications in this subject matter this semester, which will allow students to earn up to 12 college credits while attending high school classes.

Polk County’s Department of Education, with the direct support of Cleveland State, has begun providing this educational opportunity to the students at Copper Basin High School and Polk County High School.
Dr. Ryan Goodman and Dr. Jason Bell of Polk County’s Department of Education and Cleveland State’s Advanced Technology Department Chair Dr. Tim Wilson worked together to develop this relationship between the school systems with the support of Polk County’s Director of Schools Dr. James Jones.