Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

In a transformative effort to improve reentry outcomes, the University of Tennessee (UT) Center for Industrial Services (CIS), Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (TMEP), Orijin, Tooling U-SME, Smith County Jail, the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, and the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Office of Reentry have launched a unique collaboration. This partnership leverages education and workforce development to provide incarcerated individuals with new opportunities.

At the core of this initiative is a pilot program designed to empower incarcerated individuals to obtain certification as Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Certified Manufacturing Associates. By addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing sector, especially as the current workforce ages, this program not only equips justice-impacted individuals with the skills needed for successful reentry into society but also serves the evolving needs of the industry.

The eight participants in the pilot program at Smith County Jail completed 25 one-hour courses covering topics such as CNC machining, robotics, safety practices, and quality control. At the culmination of the program, the participants passed a certification exam, which was safely administered via Orijin’s Managed Learning Platform and proctored by a UT CIS TMEP expert.

The training materials, provided by Tooling U-SME, were carefully designed to meet the needs of correctional environments while maintaining industry relevance. Learners also received comprehensive support throughout the program. To keep them motivated, Orijin’s platform delivered personalized encouragement and progress tracking.

Practical applications played a key role in preparing participants for real-world job challenges. Subject matter experts from the UT CIS TMEP team led hands-on simulations, providing learners with valuable experience in tackling industry-specific tasks.

While the pilot program focused on a small group of learners, its growth potential is significant. By providing a direct path to employment, the initiative could become a nationwide model for addressing workforce shortages and reentry challenges. It not only fills critical gaps in the manufacturing industry but also helps justice-involved individuals reintegrate into society as skilled workers, contributing to their communities.

Plans are in place to expand the initiative across the state and partner with local employers to ensure long-term success.

 

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