Program funded through TVA Workforce Investment Grant

 

Memphis, TN — September 10, 2024 — The Greater Memphis Chamber, in partnership with Moore Tech and The Goodwill Excel Center, is excited to announce the launch of a new training cohort designed to equip 22 students with the skills and credentials needed for a successful career in manufacturing. The training cohort is made possible through a Workforce Invest grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which has recognized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to support the region’s economic growth. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s manufacturing sector.

Beginning this month, 22 dedicated students will embark on an intensive weekend bootcamp training at Moore Tech, where they will work toward earning a NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) credential. This credential serves as a critical entry point into the manufacturing career pathway, opening doors to entry-level positions that start at $20 an hour or more, according to the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Economic Research Group (GMERG).

“Memphis is home to over 44,000 manufacturing professionals, and we’re excited to further expand this sector in the Digital Delta,” stated Ted Townsend, President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “Collaborating with partners such as Moore Tech and The Goodwill Excel Center, this initiative will equip local talent to meet employer needs and excel in high-demand careers.”

The Goodwill Excel Center, an adult high school providing traditional diplomas to students 18 and older, will be a key partner in this effort. Students will attend high school classes from Monday to Thursday and dedicate their weekends to NIMS credential training on Fridays and Saturdays. To support their journey, the program will offer daycare services and an “earn to learn” stipend, ensuring that participants can focus on their studies without financial strain.

“This partnership is a game-changer for our students,” said Samantha Dowdy, Director of Career and Workforce Development, of The Goodwill Excel Center. “Not only are they earning their high school diplomas, but they are also gaining the technical skills and industry credentials that will open doors to meaningful careers in manufacturing. Over the course of the year, this grant will allow us to train 60 students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly growing field.”

Tony Martini, President and CEO of Memphis Goodwill, added, “Over the past 100 years, Memphis Goodwill has worked hard to follow the organizational mission – to give people with barriers to employment job skills training through the power of work, education, and empowerment. We are excited to collaborate with these community partners to provide adult students educational opportunities to further that mission.”

Moore Tech is excited to be at the forefront of this training initiative. “Our goal is to provide hands-on, industry-relevant training that meets the needs of both our students and local employers,” said Skip Redmond, President of Moore Technical College. “By partnering with the Greater Memphis Chamber and The Goodwill Excel Center, we are helping to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers who are ready to step into well-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector.”

Local manufacturers need a steady flow of skilled workers from this program. “The demand for skilled labor in manufacturing is higher than ever,” said Carlos Manning, Senior Director, Peanut Butter Operations at J.M. Smucker Company, a leading manufacturer in Memphis. “This partnership is crucial for meeting our workforce needs. We’re excited to engage with these students, offer them real-world insights, and potentially welcome them into our team as they complete their training.”

In addition to technical training, students will receive soft skill instruction to prepare them for the workforce. They will also have the unique opportunity to interact with local manufacturers during the cohort and tour manufacturing facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the industry.

This training cohort is made possible through a Workforce Invest grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which has recognized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to support the region’s economic growth. “TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also filling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice
President of Economic Development for TVA.

For more information about this program and how it is shaping the future of the Memphis workforce, please email workforce@memphischamber.com.

-MEMPHIS-

About The Greater Memphis Chamber
One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers. For more information, please visit www.memphischamber.com.

About Moore Technical College
Moore Technical College is a leading institution providing technical education and training to prepare students for successful careers in various industries. With a focus on hands-on learning and strong partnerships with local businesses, Moore Technical College equips students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of today’s workforce, particularly in high-demand sectors like manufacturing, technology, and skilled trades.

About Goodwill Excel Center
The Goodwill Excel Center is an adult high school that offers traditional high school diplomas to students 18 and older. By providing flexible scheduling, individualized support, and a focus on career readiness, the Excel Center empowers individuals to achieve their educational and career goals. Its mission is to remove barriers to education and employment, equipping adults with the tools needed to create meaningful and sustainable career pathways.

About the J.M. Smucker Company of Memphis
The J.M. Smucker Company of Memphis is a part of the larger J.M. Smucker Company, a leading manufacturer of food products. The Memphis facility plays a crucial role in the company’s production, contributing to its well-known portfolio of brands that includes everything from coffee to pet food. The company is committed to delivering high-quality products while supporting its employees and the local community through workforce development, sustainability initiatives, and economic partnerships.

About the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the nation’s largest public power provider, serving nearly 10 million people across seven states in the Southeast. In addition to delivering reliable and affordable electricity, TVA is deeply committed to supporting economic development, environmental stewardship, and workforce development across the region. Through initiatives like Workforce Invest, TVA partners with local communities to create opportunities for training and education, helping to ensure a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local industries.