McMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – Students at McMinn County high schools got hands-on experience with skilled trade careers through a mobile simulator truck operated by Be Pro, Be Proud Tennessee on Wednesday. The truck includes stations for truck driving, welding, construction and power line work, allowing students to test career paths before graduation.
Student Amber Torbett said the truck driving simulator was a highlight of the visit. “I think my favorite thing was the semi. I wrecked a couple times, but it’s all good,” Torbett said. She said the experience connects what she is already learning in the classroom to real-world careers.
“Actually getting to hands-on learning here and acting like you’re in real life just helps go into that future career,” Torbett said. “It just bridges the gap in between that CTE focus class and into that career that you’re wanting to go to in the future. I think it’s a perfect opportunity to just know exactly what you’re doing.”
Jason Lewis, one of the program’s operators, said the truck travels to schools across the state with a specific goal in mind. “So the high demand professions that we are showing today on the truck are your skilled trade professions,” Lewis said.
The Tennessee Valley Authority projects that nearly half of the skilled labor workforce will retire within the next decade. For every five workers leaving the field, only two are entering. Manufacturing alone is facing a projected shortage of more than two million workers by 2030.
Lewis said the program aims to help students who are undecided about their futures find a direction.
“These students that are not sure what they’re going to do when they graduate, you know, we can help get them set in a pathway to be successful,” Lewis said.
The truck currently has a two-year waiting list for schools seeking a visit.
Original news link – https://www.wvlt.tv/2026/03/04/be-pro-be-proud-tennessee-truck-brings-skilled-trade-simulations-mcminn-county-students/
Learn about Be Pro Be Proud – https://www.groovejones.com/vr-experiences-to-recruit-next-generation-skilled-workforce
