Tennessee Workforce Program Offers Second Chances

As in most areas of the country, manufacturers in Tennessee are facing a critical talent shortage driven by an aging workforce, rising demand for skilled workers, and quickly changing technology. Especially for many small and mid-sized manufacturers, that has impacted productivity, growth and competitiveness.

At the same time, thousands of justice-involved individuals reenter communities each year without the credentials or training needed to secure stable employment.

A novel program is bridging these two challenges by meeting critical workforce demand through education and workforce development that removes barriers to reentry for justice-impacted individuals.

The partnership between The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services’ Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (TMEP), Orijin, Tooling U-SME, Smith County Jail, the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, and the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Office of Reentry—and involving local manufacturers—is transforming lives while strengthening the local economy.

How it Works

In 2025, a pilot program was launched at the Smith County Jail in Middle Tennessee with a clear goal: prepare incarcerated individuals with industry-recognized skills and credentials that would translate into employment after release.

“We continually hear from manufacturers, especially small- and medium-size companies, that they need skilled labor,” said Todd Reeves, business development manager, Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership, UT Center for Industrial Services. “Our role is to help generate more potential workers and this statewide collaboration provides access to untapped talent.”

The structured program delivers a blend of digital learning, hands-on instruction and certification.

An initial cohort of eight incarcerated learners had the opportunity to complete 25 one-hour courses in subjects like CNC machining, robotics, safety procedures, and quality control through Tooling U-SME’s online classes. This evidence-based curriculum ensures learners have access to industry-relevant training tailored to correctional environments. 

Self-paced classes, typically one hour, are delivered via secure tablets, provided by Orijin, at the detention centers, allowing participants to progress at their own pace over six to eight weeks. 

These classes helped learners prepare for SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential, an industry certification focused on basic manufacturing concepts, demonstrating an individual’s potential for high-demand, entry level manufacturing roles.

The certification exam is proctored by a UT CIS TMEP resource and delivered safely and securely through Orijin’s Managed Learning Platform. 

To support learners at every step, the program includes: 

Workforce-Ready Skills: Tailored courses developed by the Upper Cumberland Workforce Board and Tennessee’s Department of Labor & Workforce Development ensure learners are fully prepared for certification. 

Comprehensive Support: Through partnerships with Adult Education and Title I programs, learners receive the guidance they need. Additionally, Orijin’s motivational messaging provides personalized encouragement to keep learners on track. 

Practical Applications: Subject matter experts and hands-on simulations, led by UT CIS’s TMEP team, enhance learning and prepare participants for real-world challenges.

Strong Outcomes

The pilot program delivered an encouraging outcome.

The eight participants successfully completed all 25 courses and earned the nationally recognized SME CMfgA credential, validating both the curriculum and delivery model. 

Since then, the program has expanded across multiple regions in Tennessee including Middle, East and West Tennessee, with approximately 75 to 100 individuals earning certifications to date.

This early success has served as a model for other communities, driving continued adoption and expansion into additional detention facilities across the state.

Employer Perspective

“We partner with Tennessee manufacturers to strengthen and improve their performance and profitability,” said Reeves. “This program helps them access untapped talent to meet their workforce challenges.”

While not all employers initially consider hiring justice-involved individuals, workforce realities are shifting perspectives. Local employers are recognizing this is a new pool of candidates that are job-ready with verified, industry-recognized credentials. 

Learner Perspective

Reeves said learners express appreciation for the opportunity to gain meaningful skills that can help them when they return to the workforce. Graduation ceremonies within detention centers have become important milestones, recognizing achievement and potential.

“The program is becoming an important piece in preparing folks for their life beyond being incarcerated,” said Reeves. “It builds confidence with participants as they learn advance manufacturing concepts, and they look forward to contributing to the workforce as skilled employees.”

While long-term tracking remains a challenge, the program is showing lives are being changed as individuals find a stable foundation for employment and a path forward.

Scalable National Model

Tennessee is showing how states can successfully address critical talent shortages while providing economic opportunity for justice-involved individuals.

Despite requiring upfront coordination including technology integration, curriculum development and operational logistics, the program is now a seamless, scalable model connecting training to workforce demand.

The program’s greatest strength is collaboration across multiple partners: workforce development boards, education partner, correctional facilities, learning and technology companies and employers.

Through education, job readiness, and strong partnerships, this direct-to-jobs-program does more than fill roles—it strengthens communities and empowers vibrant futures.