The state’s workforce training schools known as Tennessee Technology Centers were renamed Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology as of July 1, 2013. The name change more accurately reects the post-secondary training provided at the 27 campuses and many satellite locations across the state. The TCATs have always been higher education institutions, oering post-secondary programs for workforce preparation. But the previous “center” title was often misunderstood. The education programs and training opportunities provided by the TCATs are key to workforce and economic development in Tennessee. They aid in recruiting industry and development initiatives, and the new name better represents the quality programs oered. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology name also supports the state’s eorts to encourage more Tennesseans to continue their education and earn post-secondary professional training and technical skills. Because they are public institutions in the TBR system, the programs are oered at a much lower cost than for-prot colleges and training institutes that are widely marketed nationally. State Representative Harry Brooks and Senator Jim Tracy co-sponsored a bill to change the name in 2013. After research into the best naming options, Tennessee College of Applied Technology was introduced as the best option to meet the needs of students in the region and the expectations of employers and industry leaders. The bill received unanimous support from the General Assembly, and was signed by Governor Bill Haslam on May 20, 2013. Students attending one of Tennessee’s Colleges of Applied Technology can study programs that include, for example, advanced manufacturing, automotive technology and collision repair, computer technology, nursing, dental assisting, drafting, electronics, machine tool technology, pharmacy technology, plumbing, welding and a number of others introduction & history the system logo