The Blount Partnership announced that it was awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in aviation training and education.
“This grant from TVA’s Workforce Invest program is a game-changer for Blount County,” said Jessica Belitz, Director of Workforce Development at the Blount Partnership. “It allows us to directly respond to the growing demand for skilled workers in aviation and other high-tech industries. By investing in training equipment, career exploration tools, and student scholarships, we’re not just preparing individuals for meaningful careers—we’re strengthening the economic future of our entire region.”
In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs.
The grant goes to support the aviation school specializing in aviation maintenance technology programming and aviation career exploration. TVA funding supports the purchase of training equipment and scholarships to support student fees which has seen investments of nearly $4 million.
“The aviation technology school initiative represents a powerful collaboration between education and industry,” said Dr. Patty Weaver, Vice President of External Affairs at Pellissippi State Community College. “With support from TVA’s Workforce Invest grant, we can offer hands-on training and career exploration that equips students with the skills needed in today’s workforce. This is more than a program—it’s a pathway to opportunity for our students and a boost for our local economy.”
The project is a partnership among a host of local community leaders including the Industrial Development Board of Blount County, Pellissippi State Community College, Cirrus Aircraft, Standard Aero, Endeavor Air, PSA Airlines, McGhee Tyson Airport, 134th Air Refueling Wing, Alcoa City Schools, Maryville City Schools, Blount County Schools, Knox County Schools, Monroe County Schools, and the Knoxville Chamber.
The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands.
“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 fulfilling 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.
“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors.
Over the last four years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 40 communities with a combined investment of $6 million.