Eight incarcerated individuals in Smith County have achieved a major milestone, becoming Certified Manufacturing Associates through a groundbreaking education and workforce development initiative. The graduation ceremony, held on March 12, 2025, marks the completion of the ToolingU Certified Manufacturing Associate program, a first-of-its-kind pilot designed to equip justice-impacted individuals with in-demand technical skills and prepare them for successful reentry into the workforce.
This initiative is the result of a powerful collaboration between Orijin, ToolingU, Smith County Jail, the Tennessee Office of Reentry, and the Upper Cumberland Labor and Workforce Development Board. Participants completed 25 intensive courses covering CNC machining, robotics, safety procedures, and quality control, culminating in a proctored certification exam. Graduates are now eligible to interview with local manufacturing employers like Bonnell Aluminum, providing them with real employment opportunities upon release.
A Model for Workforce Development & Reentry Success
With Tennessee’s manufacturing industry facing a labor shortage due to an aging workforce, this pilot program is creating a scalable solution that benefits both individuals and the economy. By offering skill-building and direct job pathways, the initiative addresses one of the biggest challenges justice-impacted individuals face—securing stable employment post-release.
“The participants 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,” said Becky Hull, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Labor and Workforce Development Board.
Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
The program’s success reflects the dedication of community leaders, workforce partners, and corrections officials in breaking down barriers to opportunity.
“The 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,” said Smith County Sheriff Steve Hopper .
“This is a wonderful day. You have navigated many challenges to get here, 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,” said Sophia Young, Deputy Director, Tennessee Office of Reentry.
What’s Next?
Following this pilot’s success, statewide expansion is the next step. Workforce partners and employers are eager to scale the program, ensuring more justice-impacted individuals gain access to certified training, job placement opportunities, and a pathway to economic stability.
Media outlets are invited to cover this groundbreaking initiative and speak with program graduates, community leaders, and workforce partners.
For more information, contact Jaime Crespo, Orijin at jaime.crespo@orijin.works.
