Nissan Dual Enrollment
Bradley Cook
Nissian Teacher
bcook@grundyk12.com
Bradley Cook brings more than 20 years of manufacturing experience with Nissan North America into the classroom. During his career, he served as a Supervisor for 10 years while also holding leadership and training positions as a Regional Trainer and Master Trainer. He is a Certified V-Up Problem Solver, Dale Carnegie Certified, and continues to work for Nissan while serving as the instructor for Grundy County High School's Dual Enrollment Technology – Nissan Center of Excellence. The 2026–2027 school year marks his third year leading the program.
Driven by a passion for working with young adults and helping build the workforce of tomorrow, Bradley believes students learn best through hands-on experiences that reflect real workplace expectations. His classroom provides a professional environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, develop confidence, solve problems, and discover the career path that best fits their interests. His goal is to ensure every student leaves the program with the technical knowledge, workplace skills, and character needed to succeed in whatever future they choose.
What to Expect
The Dual Enrollment Technology – Nissan Center of Excellence is a hands-on program designed to prepare students for success in today's workforce. Through an innovative partnership with Nissan North America and TCAT, students experience a learning environment that mirrors modern industry. A typical week combines classroom instruction with engaging laboratory experiences where students build, troubleshoot, test, and solve real-world challenges using industrial equipment and technology.
Students work with electrical systems, industrial robotics, PLC programming, pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanical systems, quality, safety, precision measurement, troubleshooting, and 3D printing. Projects emphasize teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and professionalism while encouraging students to explore a wide variety of career interests in a supportive learning environment.
Core Skills Learned
Students develop both technical and professional skills that are valuable across countless industries, including:
- Electrical wiring and troubleshooting
- Industrial robotics and automation
- PLC fundamentals
- Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
- Mechanical systems and precision measurement
- Quality and continuous improvement principles
- Workplace safety
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Teamwork, communication, leadership, accountability, adaptability, and strong work ethic
Future Opportunities
Rather than preparing students for one specific career, the program exposes students to a broad range of technical fields, helping them discover their interests while building a strong foundation for the future. Eligible students may earn dual enrollment college credit through TCAT while still in high school. These certifications could change as the program adapts to industry needs.
Students also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials, including:
- MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT)
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- Six Sigma White Belt
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- FANUC Robot Operator 1
- Additional industry certifications as they become available
These experiences prepare students for technical training, college, apprenticeships, military service, or direct entry into today's workforce.
Video to Nissan Class Nissan Information 2026 Nissan Centers of Excellence Interest Form
Grundy County Center of Excellence: A Bold Partnership for the Future Workforce
Grundy County Schools is proud to be home to the Grundy County Center of Excellence (COE)—a dynamic, hands-on learning hub designed to prepare high school students for success in today’s high-demand career fields. Through a strategic and forward-thinking partnership with Nissan North America, the Center of Excellence provides students with access to real-world training, industry-recognized certifications, and direct instruction from Nissan subject matter experts shaping the future of American manufacturing and innovation.
At the heart of this initiative is a shared commitment: to equip students with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to thrive in technical careers right out of high school—or continue their journey through college or trade programs. Whether it's through advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, automotive technology, or other career and technical education (CTE) pathways, students are learning by doing—right here in Grundy County.
Nissan’s investment goes beyond equipment and curriculum. The partnership includes career exposure opportunities, workplace tours, guest speakers, and a growing network of local and regional industry advisors who help ensure students are gaining the competencies that matter most in the 21st-century workforce.
This collaboration is not just building futures—it’s transforming lives and communities. By keeping talent rooted in Tennessee and creating clear pathways from classroom to career, the Grundy County COE stands as a model for how education and industry can work together to create meaningful impact
