Over 75 Blount County students sign with 38 local employers at eighth annual ‘Job Signing Day’
Blount County Job Signing Day mirrors the college signing day format to put workforce-ready graduates in the spotlight alongside their college-bound peers.
More than 75 Blount-area high school seniors were recognized Tuesday as students inked commitments with 38 local employers from Massey Electric to Allegiant Manufacturing and beyond in a celebration that was fitting for a championship send-off.
“These students have earned this moment through career and technical education, work-based learning, internships, industry certifications and dedication in the classroom and beyond,” said Blount Partnership Communications Director Jeff Muir. “We believe these students deserve to be recognized with the same excitement and pride as any athlete signing to play at the next level. Today is their signing day, and this community is proud of them.”
Celebrating different paths
The Blount Partnership pulled out all the stops for the Job Signing Day: hype videos, smoke effects, grand entrances, balloons and the kind of fanfare typically reserved for college athletic signings. But, that’s exactly the point.
This program was built on the projection that there will be over three million lucrative jobs in the skilled trades open over the next three years. In order to make strides in filling these gaps in support of the East Tennessee economy, students going into skilled trades must be celebrated just as much as athletes or those going into higher education.
“Blount County Job Signing Day is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t follow just one path. Career and technical education is opening doors to meaningful, high-paying careers for our students right here in our community. Today, we celebrate students who have already proven themselves in both the classroom and the workplace and are stepping confidently into their futures. By supporting these pathways, we’re not only empowering our youth to reach their fullest potential but also strengthening the workforce and future of Blount County,” said Jessica Belitz, Director of Workforce Development for the Blount Partnership.
Keeping talent local
Blount County’s Mayor explained that not only does this program spotlight different post-graduation paths, but it also celebrates retaining talent.
“We talk a lot about keeping talent here in Blount County, and I mean that,” said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. “We want our best and brightest to know there are real opportunities right here at home. You don’t have to leave to build a great life, have a great career and make a difference.”
Wanting to get your business involved next year? Email Blount Partnership.
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