The Manufacturing Skills for Success program is helping justice-involved individuals across Tennessee gain the tools, credentials, and confidence needed to successfully reenter the workforce.
In recognition of Second Chance Month this April, programs like this highlight the impact of creating meaningful pathways to employment for individuals returning to their communities.
Led by the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, the program provides hands-on training inside detention centers, equipping participants with foundational manufacturing knowledge and workplace readiness skills that align with employer needs.
Through partnerships with local workforce organizations, detention facilities, employers, and the Tennessee Office of Reentry, the program is designed to create a direct pipeline from incarceration to employment, addressing both workforce shortages and barriers to reentry. Participants in the program receive training in key areas such as lean manufacturing, health and safety, and essential employability skills. The goal is not only to introduce individuals to manufacturing concepts, but to prepare them to succeed in real-world work environments.
A key focus of the Manufacturing Skills for Success program is creating a direct pathway from training to employment.
“Our goal is to assist the justice involved population to reenter the workforce into high quality jobs, reducing the risk of recidivism and increasing long-term career success,” said Jennifer Bane, Executive Director of the Northwest Tennessee Workforce Board. “In turn, we are positively impacting the labor participation rate and preparing a skilled workforce for our second chance manufacturing employer partners.”
Upon completion of the training, participants earn industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA-10 and employability certifications. These credentials help ensure individuals are prepared to meet workplace expectations from day one. Support continues beyond the classroom. Once released, graduates are connected with American Job Centers, where they receive assistance with resume development, interview preparation, and job placement services.
“Once the training is complete, credentials earned, and individuals are released, job placement is our top priority,” Bane added.
The impact of the program is reflected not only in measurable outcomes, but in the experiences of the participants themselves.
According to one participant, “I have benefitted from all of the topics, but I believe I’ve gotten the most out of learning about lean manufacturing. I knew nothing about it until this class.”
Another participant shared, “I enjoyed the entire course extremely well and gained knowledge that I will use continuously this day forward throughout my career.”
These firsthand perspectives highlight the value of providing foundational manufacturing knowledge and practical skills that participants can carry into long-term careers.
Programs like Manufacturing Skills for Success demonstrate how collaboration between workforce development organizations, employers, and community partners can create meaningful opportunities while addressing critical workforce needs. By investing in second chance hiring and workforce training initiatives, Tennessee manufacturers are gaining access to a motivated and prepared talent pool, while helping individuals build stable, long-term career paths.
As Second Chance Month brings awareness to the importance of reentry and workforce inclusion, initiatives like this continue to play a critical role in strengthening Tennessee’s workforce and communities.