Marshall Co. JECDB and Lewisburg ECD Receive TVA Workforce Invest Grant to
Increase Local Training & Education Efforts
Lewisburg, TN -On Sept. 25, Marshall Co. JECDB and Lewisburg ECD announced that they have been awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in training and education.
“We are so excited to provide this opportunity for career exploration to middle and high school students in Marshall County,” said Lewisburg ECD Director Greg Lowe. “We are so grateful to TVA once again for their continuing support of business, industry, workforce training, education and community development in Marshall County and across the entire valley.”
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.
Working with Transfr VR, Spot Lowe Technology Center, students will be provided 5 virtual reality headsets containing over 200 career exploration programs from welding, CNC and forklift driving to nursing, pharmacy techs, electricians and many more.
“Students will be able to dig deeper into the careers they have an interest in, explore careers they would not normally be able to gain access to, take field trips virtually to places of employment that they would not have the chance to traditionally tour, and receive training in a simulated workplace environment so they will be ready to tackle the challenges of today’s work environment and be better prepared to enter the workforce,” said CTE Director and Spot Lowe Technology Center principal Frank Musgrave.
The project is part of the Marshall Works Well workforce development program for students in Marshall County to develop a talent pipeline of skilled workforce for current and future local employers. The Marshall Works Well program is a partnership of the JECDB, Lewisburg ECD, Spot Lowe Technology Center, the entire K-12 school system in Marshall County, TCATs Pulaski & Shelbyville, Columbia State Community College and newly appointed Industry Liaison for the school system, Beth Stockwell.
The Marshall Works Well VR Training project is a partnership among a host of local community leaders including the Marshall County School Board, Spot Lowe Technology Center, JECDB, Lewisburg ECD, Transfr VR and TVA. The project is set to kick off beginning in January of 2024. The Marshall Works Well program and its local partners hope to expand this VR training program next year by providing VR headsets to the local library and jail for adults to take advantage of career exploration and workforce training in virtual reality.
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 filling 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 two years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 30 communities totaling more than $2 million.
About TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse and cleanest energy systems – which includes nuclear, hydro, solar, gas and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
About VisionFirst Advisors
VisionFirst Advisors has established itself as a go-to firm in the economic development consulting field with a variety of clients from 40+ states and six Fortune 500 companies. With a customer-driven approach, our team acts seamlessly as an extension of our client’s team to develop strategy, solve problems and deliver results while mitigating risks and barriers. We know that no two projects are the same and our approach is tailored to each of our clients. Learn more at visionfirstadvisors.com.
