SKILL UP! in Innovation Valley is a partnership among Innovation Valley, Inc. and the Knoxville Chamber, Workforce Connections and the local Workforce Investment Board, and the United Way of Greater Knoxville.
The SKILL UP! initiative strives to prepare and train low skilled, low income workers to enter the health care, manufacturing, and energy/building-trades sectors.
Learn more about this program through the fact sheet.
The Knoxville News Sentinel this weekend discussed in greater detail the Innovation Valley Inc. partnership that was announced last week. The stories outlined the plans and goals of the new group.
Economic development goals include $3.1 billion in new- and expansion-project capital investment, 30,000 jobs created (direct and indirect), 19,000 existing company jobs added, 2,750 technology related jobs created, and 200 existing-industry headquarter visits.
Education and workforce development goals include raising the area-wide graduation rate to 90 percent, adding 12 new technology curriculum offerings at the high-school level and adding 16 curriculums at the University of Tennessee and other local education institutions.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development mentioned the launch of the new Innovation Valley Inc. program in their weekly newsletter.
Yesterday, the Knoxville Chamber released a story detailing a new partnership called Innovation Valley Inc., which was developed to help build regional development. It will connect six local agencies and help maximize their development efforts.
Read the Knoxville Chamber story
From the Knoxville News Sentinel:
"The work of Innovation Valley 'will include the traditional blocking and tackling of economic development - business recruitment and retention. But one of the strongest themes will be work force development,' Thom Mason, president and CEO of UT-Battelle LLC, said. 'Work force development is the real key to economic development.'"
Read the story, "Jobs Now! work to continue in new partnership"
From the Daily Times:
"Matt Murray, a professor of economics at the University of Tennessee and chairman of the Economic Development Board of Blount County, said Innovation Valley Inc. recognizes the workforce development needs East Tennessee will have if it plans to grow technology-oriented businesses in this area.
"'These businesses require a skilled workforce and continuing education,' Murray said."
Read the story, "New regional development program launched".
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