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 Schooled for Success program is looking for employers in the Innovation Valley to host students for a two-day internship this summer.
Eighth grade students would spend two days with the employer on May 28 and 29, learning more about the host company and what skills it takes to succeed in the specific careers of each employer.
The goal of the program is to jump start incoming high school students with the knowledge of how to position themselves to get the job that they want.
Click here to learn more about the program and download an application to be a host employer.
The Greater Knoxville Business Journal this month had a column about how Roane State Community College, along with other academic, research and economic development groups, is proposing a center for nanotechnology workforce development.
The center would recruit and educate skilled workers who could assist the nanotechnology businesses in the Innovation Valley area. These workers would not necessarily need advanced degrees, but rather a knowledge of the processes being run at these companies.
A preliminary proposal for this project is due in April. Nanotechnology touches many businesses by way of everything from computer chips to cosmetics. Because of the wide variety of technologies, the prospects for jobs in this field are diverse.
Tom Donohue, President of the U,S, Chamber of Commerce, remarks this week that the presidential candidates have been shunning educational issues in favor of discussing the Iraq war, health care and the economy.
Donohue said that what has been noted from the candidates has been a rejection of No Child Left Behind, which he credits with helping raise math and reading skills. The U.S. Chamber favors increasing the No Child Left Behind program and holding the education system more accountable for preparing students for the workforce.
"If we don’t bring urgent change to our K-12 system, how will we compete with India and China? Who will fill the high-tech jobs of the 21st century knowledge economy, especially as baby boomers begin to retire? What will happen to the dreams and potential of our kids?" Donohue wrote.
Donohue praised the Tennessee system and Governor Bredesen's action in education reform.
"Fortunately, the silence of our presidential candidates on education is sharply contrasted by substantial action at the state and local level. Officials like Chancellor of the D.C. Public School System Michelle Rhee and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen are rejecting a system that fails students, parents, and taxpayers. They are bringing innovation, accountability, and competition to schools with outstanding results."
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".
Jim Clinton, a renowned authority on economic development in the Southern United States, challenged the Knoxville area and the Innovation Valley to dramatically transform its educational system, it workforce and its economy. The Innovation Valley should be a “Knowledge Economy” according to Clinton.
Read the story and see video highlights here
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