The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.
Shea:
Hey, this is Shea!
Carrie:
And this is Carrie.
Shea:
Welcome to the Pocket Change Podcast.
Carrie:
Where you'll learn better ways to spend, save, and invest and take control of your financial journey.
Shea:
So, Carrie, everyone's education looks different, whether it's, you know, four-year traditional school, technical school, and some people go straight to work.
Carrie:
That's right. And thankfully we have lots of options around here, TCAT being one of them. So, I'm excited to, speak to the president of TCAT Jackson today and see what all she tells us.
Shea:
I might get myself a new certification. Who knows?
Carrie:
Is it going to be in plumbing?
Shea:
Maybe welding.
Carrie:
We're excited to welcome our guest today, Dr. JacQuene Rainey, president of TCAT Jackson. Welcome to Pocket Change.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Thank you all for having me here.
Carrie:
Let's start with your story. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your early career path?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Okay, so I am the president of TCAT Jackson, and there's 24 TCATs across the state of Tennessee. I've been in the system for approximately 16 years now, and I first began my journey in the TCAT system at TCAT in Whiteville. Prior to stepping into that role, I worked in manufacturing. I was born and raised here in Jackson, and so I've worked at different manufacturing facilities. One of my church members was in administration TCAT Whiteville. And she felt that I would be a good fit for the student service coordinator position. And so, I went and I applied for it, and I just fell in love with the mission of the TCATs. And so, I worked there for seven years as student service coordinator. And then I moved into, the assistant director and vice president role at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest, which encompassed Covington, Ripley, and Newburn. And I was in that role for seven years prior to transitioning into the role that I'm in now.
Shea:
Wow. And you've been there since 2024, right?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yes, October 1st of 2024. So, it's been over a year now. Yes, yes. Time has definitely flown by.
Shea:
So, your background, you have a manufacturing background?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yes.
Shea:
Or a, you know, a technical school background. And so how is that helped you lead today in education and impacted that?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
So, it has helped me because what we're doing is we are preparing our students for the workforce. And so, workforce development, you know, the TCATs, we are the premier providers of workforce development training. And so, I have an appreciation for the types of jobs that our students go to work in. And, you know, I have a passion for the TCATs and what we do. And so my background has helped me because I understand the importance and the value of these jobs. I understand that these are really great paying jobs with benefits that can help support families, because it did for me.
Shea:
That's right.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
You know, when I was a single parent. And so, this is something that I love to promote. This is something that I believe in. And so, yes, it 100% helped me in the role that I'm in now, because I'm an advocate for technical education.
Shea:
That makes sense. You know, you can tell someone or a student, you know, “I've been on the line before,” or whatever and absolutely had that experience. So that just makes it better.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yeah, because I started out, I didn't start out in an office and I started out working on the assembly lines and, you know, putting, you know, dishwashers together and faucets together. So, I definitely understand, you know, the type of work, that industries have, the jobs, the maintenance positions and other positions, the welders, the brazers. So absolutely.
Carrie:
And you're a good inspiration for them as well. So, tell us a little bit about TCAT Jackson and what programs and opportunities you guys have for students there.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Okay, so at Jackson, of course, our main campus is located, near the Jackson Regional Airport, and we actually now have ten campus locations. So, we have extension campuses and we have instructional service centers across our service delivery area. We have 27 programs currently. And so we actually just started our new trimester, January the 5th. And so, some of our top programs are our practical nursing, welding, industrial maintenance, automotive technology, machine tool technology. We'll be implementing a new practical nursing, certified medical assistant to practical nursing bridge program at our Brownsville campus. And this is a new program that we have under the governor's Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant, where we received $2 million to implement a program in rural health care. And so, with Haywood County being a distressed county, we felt that would be the right fit. And so, we're excited to implement that program next year. And we'll also be implementing an HVAC evening program that'll be coming up here soon. So just really excited. And we start a partnership this year with West Tennessee Healthcare. So, we have a practical nursing program as well as a central sterile processing program, located at the hospital.
Carrie:
That’s wonderful.
Shea:
Wow. So, you have those locations that are on site, those instructional locations, like at the hospital and then also extension campuses. So that's great. That's a lot of access for students to be able to have those trainings and that education.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
And we try to be there for our community. So, our service delivery area, across the state of Tennessee, you know, you can find a TCAT campus location within a 30-to-40-mile radius of each other. So, we try to make it as accessible as possible.
Shea:
So, you also have the fairly new campus in Stanton.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yes.
Shea:
TCAT Stanton campus. And, how does that tie in to Blue Oval and all the industry that'll be, you know, developing in this area and that pipeline of workers?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
So, the Stanton campus was an investment by the state of Tennessee in support of the Blue Oval initiative. And so, at our campus, we have trainers who provide the training for the Ford, and at the time, Blue Oval SK, employees. And so, we will continue to do so, you know, as they, you know, employ their workers. And we also have five TCAT programs currently. So, we are enrolling, we have students that are enrolled in these programs. We have 13 students graduating this trimester.
Shea:
Wow.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yes. So, we started those programs, the first enrollment was fall of last year. And so, our first graduates are graduating now. So, we're excited about that. And we have some new enrollees coming in the spring. And so, our role and our mission is to continue to train students, be a good industry partner, and also to be there for our community. We also, have, different agencies, the American Job Center, they have offices located in the building to help with resources for our students. And we're also heavily involved with the community. If there are any events that they have, we have the space at the Stanton campus.
Shea:
Beautiful campus.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yes. We had the, Brownsville 200 year gala there, we also had the Carl Perkins, their fundraising event that they host every year. So, we had it there as well. So, lots of exciting things going on in Stanton.
Shea:
That's great.
Carrie:
Yeah. So, do you mind sharing a success story that has stuck out with you?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yeah. So, our students, and we love to highlight our students on our Facebook and social media. These students come back and they talk to the other students, you know, about the success and the jobs that they've had. And so, one that sticks out, we had a student who currently works at TVA, and so he is doing very well. And I'm not sure if you all have heard of the Boilermakers Union, but it's a prestigious, you know, organization. And so sometimes it takes approximately ten years to become a member of that. And so, he tested in within one year and was able to become a part of that. And so that's really a big deal. And he's come, and he spoke. He was a former welding student. And so, he came and spoke to the class, and you know just shared that, “If I can do it you can do it.” And so that's really encouraging for our other students to see the types of jobs and the opportunities. They're out there.
Carrie:
That's wonderful.
Shea:
You know we hear a lot about skilled trades and skilled workers. And it almost seems like a buzzword because is mentioned a lot. But I don't mean that negatively; it’s positive because they're needed and they're, you know, jobs that help us every day and vital to really our economy. So, why is that, and what's the, just tell us about the importance of why these skilled trades are so necessary?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
So, we're now seeing the importance, because the job market, the infrastructure, you know, it used to be that, you know, vocational education, technical education was only meant for those who couldn't cut it in a in a four year college or two year institution. But now we're seeing that these jobs are paying really good money, the benefits. And so, we're able to, now we're seeing, you know, the trades, the people that are retiring. And so now we're needing, you know, more workers in those areas. And we're seeing that the growth, the infrastructure that is now coming up, that the jobs that are required, your construction, your welders, your HVAC, your maintenance technicians, we're seeing such an increase in, you know, the need for those jobs. And so from the state, the governor has invested so much into technical education with new buildings, new TCATs, the infrastructure, because he understands the value of technical education. And we're also seeing that across the country as well.
Shea:
Well, we always going to need, you know, an HVAC person to fix our AC or heater when it in the wintertime or in the summertime with AC and all those things are always going to be necessary.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Absolutely.
Shea:
We've got to have that pipeline to fuel that.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yes.
Carrie:
Well, I have a personal question. So, I have a son who is a freshman in high school. So, for those who are beginning in high school, what can they do now to prepare for, if they want to, you know, go to TACT?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
So, one thing I am very proud of is our robust dual enrollment. We have over 3,400 dual enrollment students in our high schools across our service delivery areas. So, I would say that if your son or any other students were interested in TCAT to maybe take a dual enrollment class. And so, for instance, I'll give you an example: welding. We offer welding within the high schools. And so, if someone wanted to enroll in high school, they get credit for that. And then when they graduate and enroll in the post-secondary program there, they don't have to spend as much time, because they've already gotten prior credit for what they did in the high school.
Carrie:
That’s great advice.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yes, absolutely.
Carrie:
He is interested in welding.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Okay!
Carrie:
So, I am definitely going to tell him that.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Wonderful. And we go into the high schools and, you know, we talk about TCAT and we try to promote, you know, what we do when we're invited to the career fairs and other community events. And so, and also I welcome, you know, the parents as well as the students to come and take a tour of the TCAT and see what we have to offer. And, you know, there's many programs that we have that I think that would be beneficial.
Carrie:
Yes. Well, I personally thankfully, because of my job, I have been given the privilege to take a tour of, you know, several campuses, and I'm so impressed with, you know, what you guys have to offer. So, him coming into high school, I was all for it because I can see that he would be really good at it. And he's excited and, you know, I have already seen it. And I'm like, “I agree, I think this would be great for you.” So, I'm excited to tell him that advice.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Yeah. And we also now we can, ninth and 10th graders are eligible for the dual enrollment grant. So, you know, that's exciting.
Carrie:
Yeah. So, are you seeing, more like adult, non-traditional age or what are your typical student ages?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Our students range in age from 17 to 60 plus.
Carrie:
Okay.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
You know, of course we have, with the Tennessee promise, so, we see a lot of high school graduates. Every year we have a signing day, and so it kind of mimics, you know, the college signing day. And so, these are students who are graduating who will be enrolling in our program. So, we usually host that every year. And so, we've seen the numbers go up each year that we host that event. But we also have the non-traditional students, those adults who come back to school after a period of time. And we have the, the TCAT Reconnect, which is a scholarship for those individuals. But generally, you know, it's just wherever they are in their life, whether it's being a high school graduate, whether they wanted to change careers, whether they may have been laid off from a previous job and decide, you know, “I want to do something else.” Or those who have been laid off that didn't have a credential, but now that they're back in the job market, they're saying, “I need to go back to school and get some type of credential.” And then we've had some who just wanted to enroll so they can have the knowledge for themselves. So, our, you know, our population is very diverse and it's great.
Shea:
Yeah. I've got a friend who's going into a new career path and is using TCAT for that education. So, it's across the board from, you know, high school graduates to even older adults.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
And we've had students who've actually have bachelor's and master's degrees that, you know, they've switched career fields and they enrolled in a practical nursing program. So now they're in the field and matriculating on to RN school. So, you know, I always say it's never too late to switch careers or, you know, that's what happened to me. You know, I went from manufacturing to education. So, yeah, it's never too late.
Shea:
That's right. So, you mentioned some of the programs that are available to students and even non-traditional students. What other barriers do you see that are sometimes there for students when they're trying to get their education?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
So, two of the biggest barriers that I see with our students is childcare and transportation. And especially those students who live in rural areas.
Shea:
Right.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
You know, we have an attendance policy. And so, once students have, you know, reached so many hours of absenteeism, then we have to go through the appeal process. And, you know, some of the letters that I read, you know, are very heartbreaking because these are people who are really trying to better themselves. They want to further their education, and they know that coming to school and getting that education is going to be, you know, the way for them to have a better quality of life. But the car that they're driving, you know, they have to get it fixed, the tires, you know, go out on them, or they're relying on other people to bring them in. You know, they're late because they have to wait for somebody, or they're catching a ride with someone else. And, you know, we have young mothers who are wanting to better themselves, but they don't have adequate childcare. And so those are two of the largest barriers that we see. And, you know, we work with a lot of the agencies, and during new student orientation, we provide the students with a list of resources and, or, you know, the types of issues that they're having, whether it may be the need for gas cards or if they're having any childcare issues.
And so hopefully, you know, those are the things that can help them. But yes, those are the largest barriers that we have.
Shea:
Yeah.
Carrie:
I can see that. So, being part of Leaders, you know we have the Leaders Education Foundation. So could you tell me how our Workforce Readiness Scholarships have helped out TCAT and students.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
It's an amazing opportunity. And I am so appreciative of our community partners. And when you provide those types of scholarships and opportunities for our students, those students who are struggling, you know, because they may receive, you know, a grant, you know, to help pay for their tuition. But there's still a gap, you know, with their books and with their supplies and, you know, other needs.
Shea:
Like you said, transportation or childcare costs, things like that.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Absolutely. So, those scholarships are really helpful for them to help, you know, fill in those gaps, you know, that they have, that that wasn't covered before. So, truly grateful for any scholarships that they're able to receive. So, we appreciate you all being able to provide those.
Carrie:
Yeah. We're very grateful for that as well. And for those who do not know, you know, we're happy to share information about how you can apply for that.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Well, we appreciate it. Yeah.
Shea:
They open up three terms like TCAT has, you know, trimesters. So, it's on our website, leadersgives.org and it's, you can find it on there under the scholarship tab or slash workforce dash scholarship. So that's kind of long. But if you go to leadersgives.org and the scholarships are on there.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
And we do share that information.
Shea:
Yeah. Oh, y'all are great at sharing it. All the schools are. So, we appreciate you all sharing that information. Along those lines, what encouragement would you give students who want to invest that time and money into their education?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
That education is one of the biggest investments that you can make within yourself. Your education, you know, once you've obtained it, you know, that's something that you can carry with you wherever you go, whether you stay at a job or if you want to move up or move on, that education is going to go with you. So, to take the time to invest in yourself, get the education, get the credentials, because it'll be well worth it in the end. The jobs are out there and we have availability in our programs. We want students to come, we want them to enroll, and we want them to get those credentials so that they can go to work. So, education 100% is an investment.
Shea:
And how students can find out more about TCAT? What's your website?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
So, our website is www.tcatjackson.edu.
Shea:
Okay.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
And we're also on Facebook and Instagram.
Shea:
So, all the social media. Check out what the students are saying about their experience. And also check out the website tcatjackson.edu.
Carrie:
And go tour the campuses. They’re beautiful.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Go set up a tour. Or if you need more information, you can go to our website and to receive more information and someone will contact you. And you know, we love giving tours and we actually love going to set up and visit out in the community. So, any invitations that we receive, we love to be a part of the community.
Shea:
That's great.
Carrie:
Before we wrap up, we always like to ask our guests, what's the best financial advice you've ever been given?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Well, first and foremost, make sure that you pay your bills first. Also, you know, sometimes our jobs, you know, we may not be making what we think we should make, but sometimes it's an opportunity. Sometimes it's a stepping-stone to something else. And so, if you're able to work a job and move up, then allow yourself that opportunity to gain the knowledge so that you can move up into your career so you can make more money. Don't be so quick to say no to a position that you feel is not paying you. And I'm not saying to be taken advantage of, but that's just to say that sometimes those opportunities come, but you have to put in the time for it, yes.
Carrie:
It can lead to bigger and better things.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
It can lead to better and bigger things. Yes.
Shea:
All right. So, if you had some extra pocket change, just a little bit of pocket change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
I would probably give it away. I love to give back to the community. I love to help others. I think I've been blessed. And so, it's a great feeling to be able to pay it forward and bless others. So that's what I do.
Shea:
It helps out others and makes you feel just as good. It's a blessing for you, so.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
It does. Knowing that you're making a difference. So, yeah.
Carrie:
Well, thank you, Dr. Rainey, for being with us.
Dr. JacQuene Rainey:
Thank you all so much for having me on. I really had a great time. Thank you all so much.