Northfield Elementary students and their families engaged in an interactive afternoon on Thursday, April 5, hosted by Tennessee College of Applied Technology and Nissan.

Families toured the TCAT training center, learned the uses and functions of robots in the automotive industry and discovered job opportunities in industrial electrical maintenance.

Students and parents operated robotic arms and learned new skills needed in the future job market as related to their education today. Welding and auto mechanical work demonstrated by current TCAT students.

“Introducing students and families to existing occupations allows them to relate the classroom experience to future careers,” Principal Dr. Gene Loyd said. “Visits like these inspire and educate students and their families.”

Additionally, Motlow State Community College, TCAT and Tennessee ReConnect delivered information to parents interested in returning to school to further their education.

"It's very important that we get children acclimated to potential careers in the sector so that we can keep that pipeline of talent coming into the automotive industry and to our supplier base here in the county," said Dan Caldwell, TCAT Business Community Representative.
The Northfield family night is an annual school tradition. During past years, the school has organized family field trips to the Murfreesboro Municpal Airport, Embassy Suites, Oaklands Mansion and other area venues.

Northfield Elementary is part of the Murfreesboro City Schools family. The school was built in 1987 and boasts more than 700 students ranging from pre-k through 6th grade.

With its unique focus on pre-kindergarten through learning, Murfreesboro City Schools is creating a vision that embodies the highest levels of collaboration, professionalism, and excellence. The district strives to meet the needs of the whole child and is committed to the personal and academic success of each child within the district.