UPDATE: Kingsport’s Board of Education received a critical update on the booming Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at Dobyns-Bennett High School during a meeting on Tuesday night. As the demand for skilled labor surges, Bo Shadden, director of CTE at Kingsport City Schools, reported that the initiatives are not only helping students earn certifications but also paving their paths to lucrative careers before they even graduate high school.
In an impressive display of educational growth, 118 students have achieved 122 certificates since the dual enrollment program began in 2021. Partnering with Northeast State Community College and TCAT-Elizabethton, Dobyns-Bennett offers students the chance to earn vital credentials in high-demand fields. Most notably, the welding program has emerged as a frontrunner, with a remarkable rate of dual enrollment success, generating high-paying job opportunities that can range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually in the Tri-Cities area.
Nathan Bailey, associate principal of CTE at Dobyns-Bennett, detailed the impressive growth in industry certifications, with 885 students now engaged in 30 certification categories. This includes the culinary arts, where 85 students successfully earned their ServSafe certifications as safe food handlers. The push for industry-relevant skills is evident, with new programs such as certified clinical medical assistants and pipefitting gaining traction.
Shadden emphasized the uniqueness of Dobyns-Bennett’s Freightliner certification program, stating it may be the only one offered at a high school level in the nation. This initiative directly supports local trucking operations near the intersection of Interstates 81 and 26, ensuring students are job-ready as they enter an evolving workforce.
In an exciting move towards sustainability, the school has invested in a 2025 model 100% electric truck, which not only serves practical purposes—such as hauling recyclable plastics from football games—but also equips students with hands-on experience in electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance. This aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly technology in the automotive industry.
Additionally, the newly launched barbering program has already enrolled 34 students, showcasing the diverse opportunities available at Dobyns-Bennett. The robotics and automation sector is also expanding, with a new class catering to students interested in robotics but unable to commit to competitive teams.
To further enhance exposure to these career paths, the school has established a program called CTE Tuesdays, in collaboration with the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. On the second Tuesday of each month, 8th graders are introduced to various CTE offerings, allowing them to envision their potential futures in these fields.
As the Kingsport Board of Education continues to support these initiatives, the CTE programs at Dobyns-Bennett High School are not just preparing students for jobs; they are equipping the next generation with critical skills needed in today’s workforce. The next presentation on this pivotal educational effort is scheduled for the Tennessee School Boards Association’s annual conference from November 13-16 in Nashville, where further insights into work-based learning will be shared.
Stay tuned for more updates on the impact of these innovative programs on student success and local industry growth. This is a vital moment for education and the economy in the Kingsport area.
