BuildWithin Inc
Chattanooga developed the first quantum pre-apprenticeship to ensure global technology leadership. The goal of this project is a partnership between the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC) and the workforce technology company BuildWithin, is to close the gap between advanced laboratory research and the real-world requirements of the contemporary commercial workforce.
Chattanooga is positioned itself as a center for the next industrial revolution as quantum technology transitions from theoretical physics into business operations, making sure that local experts are leaders in this transition rather than only observers.
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A Structured Pathway for Professionals
The recently created program is a paid, 12-week intensive that will take place between June 29 and September 18, 2026. This pre-apprenticeship is based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) apprenticeship framework, in contrast to typical academic courses that frequently call for years of advanced study in physics or mathematics. With a $2,500 payment upon successful completion of the curriculum, this framework enables professionals in their early and mid-career stages to acquire technical expertise while maintaining their current positions.
The first cohort of 10 will use BuildWithin’s workforce technology platform to study. A grant from the National Science Foundation, given to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Research Institute, which is spearheading the initiative in collaboration with the CQC, provides financial support for the program.
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Addressing the Technology Talent Gap
Launch time is crucial. The U.S. quantum economy, according to experts, is presently at a “inflection point.” According to CQC CEO Charlie Brock, the training is a crucial step in converting quantum theory into practical professional skills. “Innovation often starts with people already inside organizations who are curious about what’s next,” Brock said, highlighting the program’s goal of enabling these “intrapreneurs” to return quantum skills to their teams.
Previous technology advancements have influenced this proactive approach. According to industry statistics from Gartner, business migration was delayed by two years or more due to a lack of cloud-based capabilities; same trend is currently being repeated with the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). To avoid the multi-year delays that have hampered prior innovation cycles, Chattanooga is educating a “Quantum Ready” workforce to capture economic benefit as soon as commercial systems come online.
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Redefining the Quantum Workforce
This pre-apprenticeship’s target population is one of its most notable characteristics. This curriculum is designed for working professionals with a technical background, such as IT specialists, data analysts, and operations directors, whereas many post-secondary programs concentrate on Ph.D. researchers. These people are from a variety of industries, including technology, logistics, healthcare, and energy.
Janet Rehberg, EPB president and CEO-elect, said quantum technology is now real. “Companies are already using quantum to create growth opportunities,” she stated, adding that one of EPB’s goals is to assist locals in taking advantage of the new jobs that will be produced as quantum develops. Tim Kelly, the mayor of Chattanooga, agreed, saying that providing such training to working people in a variety of industries is an essential step in determining the city’s economic future.
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Curriculum and Hands-On Application
Asynchronous coursework, live support sessions, and professional speakers’ guest appearances are all part of the program, which is mostly taught online. In addition to federal organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), participants will be exposed to cutting-edge tools and information from international leaders in the area, including as IonQ, IBM, and D-Wave.
The program includes the following to guarantee that the theoretical lessons have an influence on the practical world:
- Quantum Learning Guides: Professionals that provide assistance with technical challenges during alternate office hours.
- Mentorship: A mentor is assigned to each participant to assist in making the connection between their academic pursuits and particular organizational issues.
- Capstone Project: The curriculum culminates in the creation of a suggested quantum use case specifically designed for the participant’s present employer.
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A Model for the Nation
The program’s organizers think the rest of the nation can use it as a model to follow. By integrating the training into the well-existing DOL infrastructure, which has supported more than 1,000 jobs for almost a century, Chattanooga has built a model that other states can follow without having to start from scratch with new frameworks.
Every significant technology advancement, according to BuildWithin co-founder Philip Minardi, spreads through employees who find solutions within their companies. Cloud did, and AI is. According to Minardi, this structured pre-apprenticeship is the best approach for mid-career workers to become the company’s resident quantum experts. “Quantum will too,” he stated.
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The Emerging Quantum Hub
Chattanooga is in a unique position to host this experiment. In addition to having a commercially available quantum network, the city plans to activate an on-site quantum computer this month. A strong ecology for technological advancement is produced by these resources in conjunction with collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and nearby university establishments like UTC.
UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce said the university is committed to turning research into opportunities. The city is advancing research through the UT Chattanooga Quantum Center while also connecting professionals and students with potential high-paying career possibilities.
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