The Middle TN Workforce Development Academy (MTWDA) was formed in 2022 as a vision of the Tennessee United Contractors Association (TUCA). TUCA is an American trade association dedicated to utility and excavation construction contractors that build and maintain our nation’s network of underground and environmental infrastructure. Our industry is made up of small and large businesses that build and repair our nation’s underground infrastructure for drinking water, sewer, natural gas, electric power, and communications systems.
MTWDA was specifically formed to address the workforce needs of the utility and civil construction industry. The Heavy Equipment Academy (HEA) held its first group of classes (cohorts) in 2023 and since that time we have had 100% placement of our students.
Students that participate in the program are taught curriculums from the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER). Upon graduation, students will have completed the CORE curriculum and approximately 3 modules of the Heavy Equipment Operations, Level 1 curriculum.
Depending on class size, a job fair is held at the end of the program. To date, graduates of the Academy receive multiple offers in addition to sign on bonuses.