OPINION, Leslie Gower, Times Free Press—"The fanfare of high school graduation season is upon us with prom, graduation, and hefty decisions on what the next chapter might hold. For many graduates, the future has a hazy lens. With ballooning college tuition, high schoolers should know that there are other pathways to success: a high-paying job doesn't require a four-year college degree.

"The construction industry is experiencing a boon in our state, and that means a wealth of jobs for all ages and all stages of careers. The math is simple—for every five trade and construction workers who will soon retire, only one apprentice is being trained to replace them. Across Tennessee, that adds up to a whopping 315,000 construction job opportunities on the horizon in the next few years."

The Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee worked with ChattState and several other area partners to create programs with a curriculum that aligns with what the construction industry needs—be sure to check out ChattState's construction programs.