A new 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 TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Office of Reentry, is transforming reentry by harnessing the power of education and workforce development.
Together, we recently launched a pilot program that empowers eight incarcerated learners to pursue certification as Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Certified Manufacturing Associates. This initiative addresses a critical shortage in the manufacturing workforce, driven by an aging population while equipping justice-impacted individuals with the skills they need for successful reentry.
A Vision for Transformation
The pilot program offers participants the opportunity to complete 25 one-hour courses in subjects like CNC machining, robotics, safety procedures, and quality control. The program culminates in a certification exam proctored by a UT CIS TMEP resource, delivered safely and securely through Orijin’s Managed Learning Platform. Tooling U-SME’s evidence-based curriculum ensures learners have access to industry-relevant training tailored to correctional environments.
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.
From Pilot to National Model
This pilot program is more than a local initiative—it’s a scalable blueprint for addressing critical workforce gaps and reentry challenges nationwide. By creating a direct pathway to employment, the program positions justice-impacted individuals as skilled contributors to their communities while meeting industry needs. Combining education, workforce readiness, and collaborative efforts, will not just fill workforce gaps - it will build brighter futures, strengthen communities, and set a new standard for reentry programs.
Scaling this initiative statewide and partnering with local employers are the next steps in ensuring its long-term success and broader impact. Together, we’re unlocking potential, breaking barriers, and empowering justice-impacted individuals to thrive.