West's CTE Expansion provides modern industry standards

BurWil Construction broke ground a year ago on a $2.3 million expansion of the CTE wing here at West High, marking a massive shift in how the school prepares students for the workforce. Tennessee’s thriving business community has been dependent on CTE teachers to develop young students into the workforce through education. The CTE classrooms have been built and ready to signify a bold new chapter where modern industry standards meet the next generation of skilled professionals. These facilities represent more than just an expansion of space; they are a bridge between academic learning and high-demand career pathways. Constructed by the work of Bur Wil Construction at a total cost of $2,290,000, the project provides an environment for students to master their crafts. 

The inspiration for this initiative traces back to last year, when Governor Bill Lee championed a historic investment in vocational training. As a result, the Tennessee Department of Education awarded $560 million across 137 public school districts and 45 public charter schools. Under the guidance of Mr. Gregory Hardin, Mr. Wesley Harbin, Craig Short, and Mrs. Sherry Skeen, the construction and nursing programs have significantly expanded their footprints to prioritize immersive, hands-on work.

Workshops feature industrial power tools and dedicated zones for framing, electrical mock-ups, and automotive repair. With expanded storage for raw materials, the space allows students to move beyond the textbook and tackle full-scale builds that mirror real-world job sites.

Sherry Skeen’s nursing department now features a simulated hospital wing that brings clinical training to life. Outfitted with hospital-grade beds, diagnostic tools, and advanced medical mannequins, the lab allows students to move beyond the textbook to practice patient care, monitor vitals, and run emergency drills. By practicing these skills daily in a realistic setting, students graduate ready to step directly into the workforce or advanced certification programs.

Mr. Joe Ely, CTE Director of Hamblen County Schools, expressed, “Thanks to the historic investment by Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, this grant funding distributed over 182 grants to increase opportunities for career readiness and student success statewide.