09/18/2026
The Middle TN Workforce Development Academy (MTWDA) was established in 2022 through the vision of the Tennessee United Contractors Association (TUCA), an American trade association representing utility and excavation contractors. TUCA members—from small businesses to large companies—build and maintain the nation’s underground, environmental, and civil infrastructure, including drinking water, sewer, natural gas, electric power, communications, roads, and airport systems.
Since welcoming its inaugural cohort in 2023, the Heavy Equipment Academy (HEA) has achieved a 100% student placement rate.
Participants use curricula developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Before graduating, they complete the CORE curriculum and three Level 1 Heavy Equipment Operations modules. A hybrid option pairs at-home coursework with simulator sessions scheduled to accommodate working students. Both methods of learning produce NCCER credentials.
The Academy offers simulator training for students seeking equipment-only instruction or looking to strengthen their existing equipment operation skills.
Throughout their time at the Academy, students receive career planning services that assess their interests, skills, and abilities. They also receive support with résumé writing, performance evaluations, employer networking, job alerts, and exploring local employment opportunities.
Employers benefit by using the Academy’s Equipment Skills Assessments to identify employee performance gaps and receive data-driven recommendations for targeted training.
