Skilled Trades, Real Opportunities: A Conversation with TCAT Jackson (#74)
Tue Jan 20 2026
Why is technical education essential for people entering the workforce? In this episode, you'll meet Dr. JacQuene Rainey, President of TCAT Jackson. She draws on her background in manufacturing to advocate for students and share how her experience led her to TCAT. You'll learn about TCAT's programs, ways for high school students to get connected, and opportunities available to students.
Highlights:
01:03 – Can you tell us about yourself and your early career path?
02:37 – How has your manufacturing background impacted how you lead today in education?
04:06 – What programs & opportunities does TCAT Jackson offer?
06:13 – How does TCAT Jackson's new Stanton campus tie into Blue Oval and the developing industry in that area?
08:00 – Is there a student success story you can share with us?
09:00 – What makes skilled trades so necessary and why are they such a hot topic right now?
10:45 – How can highschoolers interested in TCAT prepare for technical school?
12:51 – What are your typical student ages?
14:50 – What common barriers have you noticed that make pursing education difficult for students?
16:46 – How has the Leaders Education Foundation's workforce readiness scholarships assisted TCAT students?
18:21 – What encouragement would you give students investing time & money in their education?
19:11 – How can students find out more about TCAT?
19:56 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?
20:55 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?
To learn more about TCAT Jackson's programs or to set up a tour, visit tcatjackson.edu. For more information about applying for a workforce readiness scholarship, visit leadersgives.org/workforce-scholarships.
The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.
More
Why is technical education essential for people entering the workforce? In this episode, you'll meet Dr. JacQuene Rainey, President of TCAT Jackson. She draws on her background in manufacturing to advocate for students and share how her experience led her to TCAT. You'll learn about TCAT's programs, ways for high school students to get connected, and opportunities available to students. Highlights: 01:03 – Can you tell us about yourself and your early career path? 02:37 – How has your manufacturing background impacted how you lead today in education? 04:06 – What programs & opportunities does TCAT Jackson offer? 06:13 – How does TCAT Jackson's new Stanton campus tie into Blue Oval and the developing industry in that area? 08:00 – Is there a student success story you can share with us? 09:00 – What makes skilled trades so necessary and why are they such a hot topic right now? 10:45 – How can highschoolers interested in TCAT prepare for technical school? 12:51 – What are your typical student ages? 14:50 – What common barriers have you noticed that make pursing education difficult for students? 16:46 – How has the Leaders Education Foundation's workforce readiness scholarships assisted TCAT students? 18:21 – What encouragement would you give students investing time & money in their education? 19:11 – How can students find out more about TCAT? 19:56 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given? 20:55 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on? To learn more about TCAT Jackson's programs or to set up a tour, visit tcatjackson.edu. For more information about applying for a workforce readiness scholarship, visit leadersgives.org/workforce-scholarships. The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.