Chattanooga State Community College has partnered with Valmont Industries in Jasper, Tennessee, to launch the state’s first registered apprenticeship in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), marking a significant step toward developing a skilled workforce equipped for industry-critical inspection and safety roles.
The program, beginning December 1, allows Valmont employees to pursue formal NDT education while continuing full-time employment. By integrating academic learning with hands-on industrial experience, the initiative is set to strengthen Tennessee’s pipeline of multi-skilled technicians capable of performing advanced non-invasive evaluations of welds, joints, and high-value structural components. These competencies are essential for safeguarding infrastructure and ensuring materials meet stringent quality requirements without damaging parts.
The partnership adds to ChattState’s history of collaborating with regional employers to close workforce gaps and support industrial modernization. Registered Apprenticeship director Pam Gitta emphasized the value of such collaborations, noting, “When we join forces with local employers, everyone benefits. By investing in their employees, our partners are investing in retention, growth, and the well-being of their teams.”
ChattState’s NDT program remains the only program in the United States accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a distinction underscoring its national leadership in technical education and inspection science.
Through its Workforce Development division, the college continues to deliver customizable training and registered apprenticeship opportunities, enabling employers like Valmont to upskill their teams and strengthen operational reliability. With NDT becoming increasingly vital across manufacturing, fabrication, and structural asset management, the collaboration positions Tennessee as a growing hub for advanced inspection talent and industry-ready professionals.
