Pilot program has the potential to expand
The Smith County Jail and Workforce Connections (WC) are testing the waters with a pilot program they call groundbreaking. WC says it is “proving that second chances and workforce solutions can go hand in hand.”
“Through a powerful collaboration between Orijin, ToolingU-SME, Smith County Jail, the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), and the Tennessee Office of Reentry, lives are being changed – and critical workforce gaps are being filled,” according to a release by Workforce Connections (WC) in Cookeville.
According to the release, the goal is to open doors through education and opportunity with “reimagining reentry.”
“The pilot program gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to earn their SME Certified Manufacturing Associate credential, a valuable certification that aligns with real industry needs—particularly in manufacturing, where an aging workforce has created urgent demand for skilled talent,” according to the release.
Participants will complete 25 one-hour courses covering topics like:
- CNC machining, robotics
- safety procedures
- and quality control
“The program wraps up with a proctored certification exam, delivered securely through Orijin’s Managed Learning Platform, ensuring accessibility even behind the wall,” according to the release.
WC is not just about coursework.
“It’s about creating a supportive, empowering environment that prepares learners for life beyond incarceration,” according to WC.
Key features of the program include:
- Workforce-Ready Skills: Custom-developed training from the Upper Cumberland Workforce Board and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development helps learners build the soft and technical skills needed to succeed.
- Comprehensive Support: Partners like Adult Education and Title I programs provide wraparound support, while Orijin offers personalized motivation and guidance to keep learners engaged and focused.
- Hands-On Learning: UT CIS brings real-world relevance through expert-led sessions and simulations that prepare participants for the challenges and expectations of today’s manufacturing jobs.
What is the model for the future? Although the pilot only serves Smith County Jail, WC says it has potential to expand.
“The program is designed as a scalable model – one that could be replicated across Tennessee and nationwide to support justice-impacted individuals while helping industries meet their workforce demands. 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,” according to the release.
The plan is to expand the program statewide and connect more directly with local employers, ensuring that certification leads to real employment opportunities.
“Employers across the Upper Cumberland are encouraged to join this transformative initiative. By partnering to hire certified, justice-impacted individuals, businesses gain access to skilled, job-ready talent while investing in the long-term strength of the regional workforce. These individuals are equipped with industry-recognized credentials and are ready to contribute meaningfully from day one. County jails throughout the Upper Cumberland are also encouraged to consider implementing similar reentry programs. For facilities interested in launching reentry initiatives, support is available. Workforce and community partners are ready to assist with the tools, resources and guidance needed to successfully replicate this model. By working together, the region can reduce recidivism, close workforce gaps, and create new pathways to success – for individuals, employers, and communities alike,” according to WC.
Copyright 2025 The Upper Cumberland Business Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Other stories you may want to check out:
