The Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP), in partnership with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and UT Extension, proudly celebrated the graduation of 14 inmates from the Manufacturing Skills for Success program—an innovative manufacturing workforce training initiative designed to prepare justice-involved individuals for successful careers in Tennessee’s thriving industrial sector.
Unlike programs that focus solely on basic safety credentials, this comprehensive workforce development program offers more than just the OSHA 10 certification. Each participant completed a broader curriculum focused on manufacturing skills training, workplace readiness, and soft skills development—all of which are vital for employment in high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and construction.
The Manufacturing Skills for Success program delivers over 25 online, industry-relevant courses through secure, jail-issued tablets. These interactive modules cover essential topics like:
Industrial safety and OSHA fundamentals
Lean manufacturing principles
Production and quality basics
Communication and teamwork
Problem-solving and critical thinking
“This is more than just training—it's about restoring dignity, providing direction, and opening doors for individuals ready to take a new path,” said Dr. Andre Temple, TMEP Solutions Consultant. “We’re offering inmates across Tennessee access to nationally recognized manufacturing certifications and essential workforce skills while they are still incarcerated.”
By equipping participants with industry-recognized credentials and job-ready skills, TMEP’s initiative supports both individual reentry success and Tennessee’s growing need for skilled manufacturing workers. The program is a powerful example of how workforce reentry programs and vocational education in jails can contribute to reducing recidivism, strengthening communities, and fueling the state’s economy.
As the Manufacturing Skills for Success program continues to expand across correctional facilities throughout Tennessee, TMEP remains committed to building a resilient, prepared, and inclusive manufacturing workforce—one graduate at a time.