Nashville State, Cat Financial Apprenticeship Welcomes Fourth Cohort, Caterpillar IT Launches First

Nashville State Community College and Caterpillar Financial Services (Cat Financial) apprenticeship program is welcoming its fourth IT cohort, while Caterpillar’s information technology division, Caterpillar IT launches its first with Nashville State, creating another direct classroom-to-career pipeline and serving as a workforce solution for the local industry.

An official signing ceremony was held at Cat Financial to mark the occasion.

Two Cat Financial cohorts who graduated from Nashville State have already become full-time associates. The third cohort is approaching the midpoint of the apprenticeship.

The fourth cohort consists of Fredrick “Bronson” Smith and Henry Whitty.

Launched in January 2023 with Apprenticeship TN's support and in coordination with the college’s Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, the program lets students earn degree credit and thousands of hours of paid training.

Building on the Nashville State–Cat Financial partnership, Caterpillar IT, has launched a similar apprenticeship program with Nashville State to strengthen its middle Tennessee talent pipeline and open career pathways for School of STEM’s information technology students. Hindi Ahmed, a Nashville State Cyber Defense student, will serve as the Nashville program’s inaugural apprentice.

"Creating direct pathways to careers while connecting employers with talented, motivated students is central to our mission," said Nashville State President Shanna L. Jackson. "We are proud to see our graduates thriving at Cat Financial and excited to expand this success with Caterpillar IT, strengthening opportunities for students and employers."