Residents at CoreCivic's Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville, Tennessee, are celebrating their graduation from the new Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) carpentry program. This is the program's first graduating class.

The program offers participants job-ready skills and certifications, helping them secure a job upon release and reduce recidivism. TCAT focuses on vocational skills like carpentry with plans to expand to additional fields including plumbing and electrical in the future.

The inaugural class at Trousdale Turner began their courses in March 2025, with classes being offered to additional participants throughout the past year.

“This program is a gamechanger for incarcerated individuals. It offers them a tangible path to success, with the skills and certifications they need to secure meaningful employment after their release,” said Jonathan Smallwood, vice president of TCAT Hartsville.

By collaborating with TCAT Hartsville, participants gain access to a vast catalog of programming and credentials that will support their continued personal and professional growth, even after their release. The program not only benefits the participants but also strengthens the community by ensuring that those reentering society are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed.

The program operates on-site at Trousdale Turner, offering both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

“I’m honored to be part of this initiative. It’s incredibly rewarding to help these individuals develop valuable skills that will open doors for them once they’re released. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a real difference,” says TCAT Hartsville instructor Danny Allen.

Participants who complete TCAT programming will receive industry-recognized certifications. Similar programs will eventually be offered at all four CoreCivic facilities in Tennessee, allowing residents to earn college-level programming credit in addition to vocational certifications.