The Giles County Technology Center was awarded one of 16 state-funded CTE Competitive Innovative Program Equipment Grants for High-Demand and Fast-Growth Industry Sectors in the amount of $37,500 in April 2017. The Machine Tech program at the Giles County Technology Center will serve as a model for providing students with classroom experiences relevant to the 21st century workplace. The program used the grant to purchase a new Southwestern Industries TRAK K3 Vertical Knee Type Milling Machine with ProtoTRAK SMX-2 Control. Juniors and Seniors in the program began using the mill during the Fall 2017 semester.