Tennessee School District Unveils Nation’s First Mobile Career Training Labs
Rutherford County Schools has launched three state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education Mobile Learning Labs, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in Tennessee.
The innovative program transforms three 48-foot semi-trailers into fully equipped mobile classrooms featuring cutting-edge technology found in both educational and professional environments.
Funded through $2.6 million in Innovative School Models grants from Tennessee, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between K-12 education and the workforce. These grants specifically support programs that expose middle and high school students to career opportunities while strengthening pathways between secondary education, college, and employment.
The mobile labs will rotate among the district’s middle schools, offering students hands-on experience with the 16 Career & Technical Education pathways available at the high school level. The program addresses careers most in demand throughout the county.
District Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan emphasized how the mobile approach eliminates traditional geographic limitations.
“This allows all middle school students to be exposed to the same opportunities,” Sullivan explained. “Instead of it being determined by school, we can now take the opportunities to our students.”
Dr. Tyra Pilgrim, the district’s Career & Technical Education director, expressed gratitude to Governor Bill Lee for the grant funding, which provided $500,000 for each of the district’s 14 middle schools.
“It allowed us to think big and creatively,” Pilgrim noted. “For many students, this will be the first time they see how their interest becomes a career.”
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce hosted Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling at Lane Agri-Park, drawing elected officials and business community representatives.
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