Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative Grows Pre-Apprenticeship by 80%

Nearly 80 professionals applied for 18 spots in the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative’s pre-apprenticeship, reflecting interest in quantum technology training and prompting an expansion of the initial 10-person pilot program. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between emerging quantum technologies and practical business applications, with participants from 17 Tennessee employers including Unum, Covenant Logistics, and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. Over a 12-week period, these professionals will complete a “Capstone Quantum Opportunity Assessment”, evaluating potential quantum use cases for their respective organizations. “Success for us is seeing companies begin exploring how quantum technologies might apply to their businesses and positioning themselves to capture a significant share of the economic opportunity that’s coming,” said Charlie Brock, CEO of CQC, signaling a proactive approach to integrating quantum solutions across diverse sectors.

Quantum Pre-Apprenticeship Launches with Tennessee Employers

This surge in applications underscores growing interest in quantum technology’s potential across diverse sectors, prompting an expansion of the program from 10 to 18 participants. The 12-week program focuses not only on theoretical knowledge, but also requires each participant to complete a deliverable designed to evaluate potential quantum use cases within their respective organizations. This emphasis on practical application reflects CQC’s commitment to bridging the gap between research and commercial viability. Philip Minardi, Co-Founder of BuildWithin, said, “An industry becomes quantum-ready from the inside: when leaders at every level can recognize where the technology applies and act on it,” highlighting the importance of internal expertise. The cohort, beginning in late June and concluding in September, will focus on real-world business opportunities and challenges identified by participating organizations.

Chattanooga Ecosystem Supports Quantum Workforce Development

The Chattanooga region is rapidly establishing itself as a focal point for quantum technology workforce development, evidenced by the expansion of its inaugural pre-apprenticeship program from 10 to 18 participants after attracting nearly 80 applicants. This reflects growing interest among both employers and employees in understanding how quantum technologies may impact industries. This emphasis on practical application is supported by a National Science Foundation planning grant awarded to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, with the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative managing industry engagement. UTC Chancellor Dr.

Projected Economic Impact of Quantum Technologies

Unum’s investment in quantum technology training exemplifies a broader trend among established Tennessee businesses anticipating substantial economic shifts. The program expanded from an initial plan of ten participants to eighteen after receiving nearly 80 applicants, demonstrating growing interest in quantum skills development. The CQC initiative aims to cultivate “informed stewards and ambassadors for quantum innovation” within existing workforces, rather than creating quantum physicists. Quantum computing could generate as much as $2.7 trillion in economic value globally. Sectors like healthcare, transportation, advanced manufacturing, energy, and financial services, all with significant Tennessee presence, are expected to benefit most. Kimberly Bowen, Senior Vice President, Global Talent & Inclusion at Unum, said, “While quantum technologies are still emerging, we believe it’s important to understand how they may impact our industry and our customers in the future,” highlighting the strategic foresight driving this early adoption.