By Jaime Crespo
A new partnership 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 Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Tennessee Office of Reentry, is transforming reentry by harnessing the power of education and workforce development.
Together, we recently launched a pilot program that empowers incarcerated learners to pursue certification as SME Certified Manufacturing Associates. This initiative addresses a critical shortage in the manufacturing workforce, driven by an aging population while equipping justice-impacted individuals with the skills they need for successful reentry.
A Vision for Transformation
The pilot program offers eight participants the opportunity to complete 25 one-hour courses in subjects like CNC machining, robotics, safety procedures, and quality control. The program culminates in a proctored certification exam, delivered safely and securely through Orijin’s Managed Learning Platform. ToolingU-SME’s evidence-based curriculum ensures learners have access to industry-relevant training tailored to correctional environments.
To support learners at every step, the program includes:
- Workforce-Ready Skills: Tailored courses developed by the Upper Cumberland Workforce Board and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development ensure learners are fully prepared for certification.
- Comprehensive Support: Through partnerships with Adult Education and Title I programs, learners receive the guidance they need. Additionally, Orijin provides personalized motivation and encouragement to keep learners on track.
- Practical Applications: Subject matter experts and hands-on simulations, led by UT CIS, enhance learning and prepare participants for real-world challenges.
From Pilot to National Model
This pilot program is more than a local initiative—it could serve as a scalable blueprint for addressing critical workforce gaps and reentry challenges nationwide. By creating a direct pathway to employment, the program positions justice-impacted individuals as skilled contributors to their communities while meeting industry needs.
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.
Scaling this initiative statewide and partnering with local employers are the next steps in ensuring its long-term success and broader impact. Together, we’re unlocking potential, breaking barriers, and empowering justice-impacted individuals to thrive.
A Milestone Achievement: The First Graduating Class
Now, just weeks after launching, this program has already delivered incredible results. The first cohort of eight learners in Smith County successfully completed the program, passing all 25 courses and earning their Certified Manufacturing Associate credentials.
“These students showed so much commitment. I’m just so proud of them. Thank you to all the stakeholders who made this possible, to help these folks better their lives, the lives of their families, and of the community around them. I’m just so proud of their accomplishments.”
– Smith County Sheriff Steve Hopper
“This is a wonderful day. You have navigated many challenges to get here today, and I commend you for every step of the way. Your hard work and dedication to making a positive change in your life starts today.”
– Sophia Young, Deputy Director, Tennessee Office of Reentry
“I am incredibly grateful for the partnerships that made this pilot possible. I am also proud of the participants who have shown the entire nation that individuals who are incarcerated are capable, skilled, and can make meaningful contributions to the workforce when given the opportunity.”
– Becky Hull, Executive Director, Upper Cumberland Labor and Workforce Development Board
With manufacturing companies eager to hire justice-impacted individuals upon release, this program stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, second chances, and workforce development.
Join us in celebrating these graduates and the partners who made this achievement possible!
