Business Supporters
Welcome, we hope you find this information useful in your mission to find a skilled and qualified workforce. Thank you for your interest and support! The future of our region’s workforce is dependant on the support of our business leaders and community members. Please review the document 2017 Workforce Snapshot for a look at the projected skill levels our workers will need. There are many resources available to develop relationships between our community and our education providers at all levels – pre-K through 12 and beyond.
Training Inventory
We have collected a list of known internships and apprenticeships for students. If you offer such training opportunities, please let us know so that we can add your program to the list. If you are interested in starting an internship program, we have created an Internship Model to help you develop opportunities for high school and college students.
Knox County Schools Partner’s in Education Program
This program allows businesses to partner with elementary, middle or high schools in Knox County through mentoring, guest speaking arrangements, work on advisory committees and sponsorship of awards and recognition programs.
What to Do For Schools
This is a list of organizations and programs currently supporting education through different initiatives.
Newspapers in Education
The News Sentinel in Education's nationally recognized program provides a wealth of information to teachers, parents, and students through services such as on-line activities, teacher workshops, in-service presentations, curriculum materials for schools, contests, scholarships, and in-paper features. Businesses and community members can sponsor a classroom or school, as well as contribute to the “World of Work” resource which highlights area careers.
Junior Achievement’s BizTown
At JA BizTown, students perform jobs ranging from retail sales professionals, accountants, business managers, and medical professionals to TV and newspaper reporters, and even a mayor! Fifth graders do all of these jobs and many more in a hands-on simulation that can inspire our children to see many career possibilities in their future. Businesses can help encourage schools to participate in JA programs and can make donations to JA. We encourage you to tour this facility to see what great things are being done there.
Tennessee’s Career Readiness Certificate
Tennessee has adopted the Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) as a work-ready credential that measures workplace knowledge and skill levels. We are encouraging employers to begin requesting CRC’s from candidates who are applying for skilled jobs. For more information on this valuable tool please contact your local Career Center with any questions or requests.
What About the Skilled Trades?
The building trades and other skills related jobs in high-growth industries face critical skilled worker shortages where demand exceeds supply. According to a study by CLRC (Construction Labor Research Council) to determine demand for craft workers for industrial construction projects in the Southeast during the 2006–2010 period. Demand for construction workers will increase by 25% increase in the next 2 years. By craft, demand for pipefitters, ironworkers, painters, and insulators will increase by more than 40%. Another area experiencing a tremendous shortage is the energy area. For more information on fields related to energy, industry and construction visit the Energize Tennessee website.
The TennesseeEnergy, Industry and Construction Consortium (TEICC)was created on August 28, 2007, during the SE Skilled Labor Summit in Biloxi, MS, as a partnership between electric and natural gas utilities; nuclear and industrial construction; utility associations; education; state offices; Department of Labor; workforce investment and other affiliated or support organizations concerned with the emerging workforce planning issues affecting utilities. The mission of TEICC is to engageenergy andconstruction industryin strategic, unified, and results-oriented efforts to ensure a skilled workforce to meet future industry needs.
Vols4STEM
Vols4Stem is an innovative resource which connects science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals with educators and students. Specifically, it is a web-based tool which enables STEM volunteers to log on and volunteer their time and expertise with students across the Innovation Valley. Teachers are able to find volunteers online who can help illustrate and apply in the classroom STEM principles that are used in the workplace everyday. Vols4Stem also intends to support other programs with its volunteer base, including Future Cities, MathCounts, Lego League, FIRST, Bridge-Building, Engineer's Week, Science Fairs, JETS, and Science Bowl. The overall goal of Vols4Stem is to inspire and empower more area youth to move into STEM professions, ultimately building a high-skilled, high paying STEM workforce. Area engineers and scientists and the local sections of engineering and scientific societies are the key to Vols4STEM. Click here to see our STEM Resource Guide and visit the Vols4STEM website.
Smoky Mountains Regional - FRC
Become a mentor or volunteer for a position during the Smoky Mountains Regional competition of FIRST Robotics. Over 50 teams of high schools students build robots and compete in a high energy sport like event.