Tag: Blount Area Jobs

Blount Partnership Receives TVA Workforce Invest Grant to Increase Local Training & Education Efforts

Posted on August 28, 2025 by - Uncategorized

TVA logo

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.

Local Schools Awarded Classroom Grants and Student Scholarships to Support Future Construction Workforce

Posted on May 9, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Three local public schools received $2,500 each in classroom grants as part of a new initiative to support construction education and training, thanks to the newly established Foundation for Future Building Trades. In addition, six students were awarded scholarships totaling $6,000 to further their education or purchase tools and supplies for careers in the construction industry.

Classroom Grants Awarded:

  • Heritage High School – Instructor Jason Tipton will lead students in constructing a 10’ x 12’ storage shed, teaching framing techniques and foundational layout skills including flooring, walls, rafters, doors, and windows.
  • William Blount High School – Instructor Doug Blair will oversee two projects: flag-building in a fundamentals class and Adirondack chair construction for year one students. Both projects emphasize tool safety, measurement, and hands-on craftsmanship.
  • Maryville Junior High School – Instructor Jeremy Russell will utilize funding to enhance shop safety and efficiency by adding storage and dust collection systems, creating an environment conducive to learning and skill development.

Student Scholarships Awarded:

  • Colton Richardson, Heritage High School – $2,500
  • Christian Eggleton, William Blount High School – $1,500
  • Hunter Johnson, William Blount High School – $1,000
  • Brayden Sargent, William Blount High School – $500
  • Rafael Amos Sanchez, William Blount High School – $500

Students could apply for scholarships to support either continued education or the purchase of tools and equipment needed for employment in the construction field.

These awards were made possible through the consolidation of nearly $450,000 from the former Builders & Associates of Blount County chapter into the Foundation for Future Building Trades. The Foundation will fund classroom grants and scholarships with a focus on residential construction, aiming to grow the pipeline of skilled workers in the local construction industry.

The initiative is overseen by the Blount Partnership’s Construction Workforce Advisory Committee, which manages grant and scholarship disbursements.

“We are excited to provide these opportunities to local students and are committed to helping shape the future of the construction industry, particularly in residential building,” said Blount Partnership’s Director of Workforce Development Jessica Belitz. “These scholarships and grants will not only help students succeed but will also strengthen the local workforce, ensuring that our community has access to highly skilled professionals for years to come.”

The Foundation is actively seeking donations to sustain and grow this effort, which aligns with broader goals of workforce development and regional economic growth.

Photo 1 caption: Hunter Johnson, Braydon Sargent, Denver Hunt (Denver Hunt Construction), Rafael Sanchez, Christian Eggleton of William Blount High School each received a check.
Photo 2 caption: Greg Newman (Roger Newman Heating & Air) presents a check to Colton Richardson of Heritage High School.

Jessica Belitz Selected for U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Master Class on Community Child Care Solutions

Posted on April 11, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Jessica Belitz
Jessica Belitz

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that Jessica Belitz, Director of Workforce for the Blount Partnership, was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants to participate in a Master Class for members of the Business Leads Fellowship Program network. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips business leaders from across the country with resources, experts, and a powerful network of peers needed to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges facing communities across America.

“I’m honored to be selected for the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Master Class and to join this incredible network of leaders tackling one of our nation’s most urgent workforce challenges—childcare,” said Belitz. “Access to quality childcare is critical not only for working families but for the strength and resilience of our local economy. I look forward to bringing back valuable strategies and insights to help create solutions that support both our workforce and our community.”

This Master Class is designed to equip business leaders with research, resources, and best practices to launch community-based childcare solutions. The event kicks off with a two-day, in-person event on May 5-6, 2025, in Boise, ID, with virtual follow-up meetings. Throughout the Master Class, participants will meet with experts in the field, review case studies of successful community models, and build connections with other business leaders driving solutions to childcare breakdown.

Belitz was selected alongside 32 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders nationwide. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation aims to equip this group with the resources to successfully navigate community childcare concerns. This group will build a community of practice among the participants, which will be a resource for their professional development in service to their respective communities.

Pellissippi State awarded $2M for new Aviation Technology degree

Posted on October 18, 2024 by - Uncategorized

airplane maintenance

Pellissippi State Community College has been awarded nearly $2 million through the third round of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Grants, to support the creation of a two-year associate degree in Aviation Technology, with a focus on Aviation Maintenance Technician Training.


The new degree program, located at Pellissippi State’s Blount County Campus, will provide students with hands-on training in cutting-edge aviation technology, and allow them to work with emerging innovations in design, creation, testing, installation of aviation electronics, aircraft structures and mechanical systems.


“This is a tremendous collaboration with the Blount Partnership that will have a significant impact on our students and local businesses alike,” said Pellissippi State Vice President for External Affairs Patty Weaver. “With a widening gap between the number of retiring aircraft mechanics and those entering the field, this partnership ensures we are responsive to the workforce needs of area businesses who are seeking skilled professionals, while providing our students with meaningful career opportunities.”


The GIVE program, established in 2019, is designed to address skills gaps in Tennessee’s workforce by supporting the development of career pathways that connect postsecondary institutions with local K-12 school systems and local employers.


Grants of up to $2 million each are awarded through the GIVE program to collaborative efforts that create or expand academic programs, develop work-based learning experiences or provide industry-recognized certifications in areas of high demand.


“The state with the workers will win every time, and that’s why workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. “As a result, companies are choosing to invest and expand in our state, creating greater opportunity and quality of life for all Tennesseans.”

Pellissippi State’s program will equip students with the necessary skills to pursue careers as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Maintenance Technicians. To graduate, they will need to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s certification exams, both in knowledge and practical skills.


Aircraft mechanics that graduate from this program will be in high demand for aviation jobs and in other fields that require high mechanical knowledge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aviation industry will need to fill approximately 12,000 aircraft mechanic positions annually to keep up with demand.


Pellissippi State’s new degree program aims to help bridge this gap by providing highly qualified graduates to meet workforce needs.


The GIVE Grant, along with the collaboration of industry partners and the Blount Partnership, plays a key role in helping Pellissippi State develop this degree, which will prepare students for successful careers in aviation maintenance.


“We are incredibly grateful for Governor Lee’s support through the GIVE 3.0 Grant,” Weaver said. “Over the next year, we’ll be developing the program with the goal of launching it for students in fall 2025.”

Blount Employers Named Tennessee Flagship Industry Partner

Posted on July 16, 2024 by - Uncategorized

As part of the annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Institute, today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the 49 work-based learning (WBL) employers named a Tennessee Flagship Industry Partner for their contributions and partnerships with local school districts across the state. 

Nominated by school districts across the state, Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners are employers whose partnerships with their local school districts have significantly improved student outcomes. Nomination criteria included having a WBL program that provides students with a seamless transition into postsecondary and/or the workforce, full-time employment opportunities for students upon high school graduation, employment for students with disabilities, a Tennessee Certified Pre-Apprenticeship or Registered Apprenticeship program, among others. 

“Work-based learning is an integral part of Career and Technical Education that works to equip all students for success after high school,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “We applaud all the Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners for prioritizing their local districts, schools, and the workforce by offering students experiences that develop employable skills for high-demand, high-skill careers.” 

The selection process for the Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners is based on the cumulative, quantitative impact each employer has on elementary, middle, and high school students through a variety of employment readiness activities, including pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and seamless postsecondary and workforce transitions.

 The following employers are honorable mention Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners: 

Pellissippi State commits to recruiting more students to advanced manufacturing 

Posted on April 5, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Pellissippi State Community College kicked off a three-year challenge Wednesday to attract and recruit 1,000 students into advanced manufacturing and connect them with industry partners. 

More than 30 representatives from local manufacturing companies, K-12 school systems, chambers of commerce and the college were on hand to learn more about the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge.  

Pellissippi State President L. Anthony Wise Jr. said the partnership aligns with the college’s roots as a technical institute. 

“We are committed to building the next generation of manufacturing professionals,” Wise said. “The sustainability of the industry depends on the development of the talent pipeline.” 

The alliance between Pellissippi State and SME is designed to build awareness of careers in manufacturing and accelerate the education and skill development needed to place Tennessee students in jobs making family-sustaining wages. 

The challenge comes as the manufacturing industry faces an estimated 2.7 million unfilled jobs by 2030. Together with SME, Pellissippi State will work to develop strategies that will strengthen the manufacturing workforce in East Tennessee. 

Pellissippi State is one of only 25 schools in the country invited to participate in the challenge with each college tasked with attracting 1,000 students into manufacturing jobs over the next three years. 

For more information on Pellissippi State’s partnership with SME and the Workforce Pipeline Challenge, or to learn more about opportunities to engage with and support the program, contact Patty Weaver, vice president of external affairs for Pellissippi State, at [email protected].