Applications are now being accepted for the Youth Workforce Readiness Training and Internship Program, a collaborative project of Blount Partnership and Blount County Adult Education.

This eight-week program provides workforce readiness training in the skills needed to obtain and maintain employment in the field of manufacturing.  Participants receive practical training and a paid internship at a local manufacturer.  Young Adults ages 18-26, who are unemployed or underemployed, are eligible for this program.

To apply, or for more information, potential participants should contact Margaret Muller at Blount County Adult Education at 865-982-8998 or email margaret.muller@blountk12.org.

“The class was great and I learned so much,” said Michael Croy, Youth Workforce Readiness Training participant. “I learned the right way to shake a hand and make a good impression when meeting new people and take pride in my work to make sure the customer is 100 percent happy. It makes me happy to know my hard work will make a company happy with the outcome of the product.”

“This program provides potential employees with an opportunity to showcase their skills and also to learn from prospective employers and the dedicated instructors at Blount County Adult Education,” said Dave Bennett, Cherokee Millwright CEO. “For many it can be the second chance they need to become gainfully employed.”

This project is funded by a grant from Alcoa Foundation.