Drone Training Program Launches to Build Future-Ready Workforce

Southwest Tennessee Community College joined local leaders, educators and industry partners Sept. 9 for the launch of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Flight Path: Shelby County Drone Training Program, a collaborative initiative aimed at preparing students for one of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields.

The initiative is designed to create a seamless career pathway from elementary school through postsecondary education, giving students hands-on experience with drone technology and a direct route to technical certificates, degrees, and high-demand jobs.

Southwest’s role is central: the college will deliver drone exploration activities to participating high schools, introduce students to industry-standard equipment and practices, and develop dual enrollment opportunities that allow them to earn college credit while still in high school. These courses will connect directly to Southwest’s advanced training programs in unmanned aircraft systems and related technical fields.

“This partnership is about more than just teaching students how to fly drones—it’s about opening doors to high-demand, high-skill careers and meeting emerging workforce demands,” said Dr. Carol Ash, vice president of academic affairs and workforce development. “By building a clear pathway from K-12 to college and into the workforce, we are preparing students for careers that not only harness cutting-edge technology but also provide family-sustaining wages. This is exactly the type of workforce development our strategic plan calls for—aligning education with real opportunities that can transform lives and strengthen our community.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority is providing financial support to launch and sustain the program, which serves as a proof of concept for collaborative partnerships that address in-demand occupational needs.
By combining early engagement, dual enrollment, and advanced training, Southwest aims to help students “soar” into one of today’s fastest-growing career fields — and to ensure Shelby County has a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of the drone industry.

Several area school systems are already engaged, including Bartlett, Millington, Arlington, the Excel Center High School, and Memphis Shelby County Schools — specifically Whitehaven High School — with more expected to join. Some schools have already begun training, giving students early exposure to STEM concepts, flight operations and career possibilities.

The kickoff, held at the Bartlett City Schools Administrative Offices, drew an impressive roster of attendees, including Latrivia Welch, government relations specialist for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s West Region; David Parsons, Mayor of Bartlett; state Rep. Mark White, Education Committee chairman; Dr. David Stephens, Bartlett City Schools superintendent; Bo Griffin, Millington Municipal Schools superintendent; Stuart Noggle, chief operations officer at Woz ED; John Threadgill of the Bartlett Chamber Foundation; Chuck Thomas III, chief government external relations officer for Southwest; Dr. Carol Ash, vice president of academic affairs and workforce development at Southwest; and Chuck Molinski, vice president of Goodwill Excel Centers Memphis.