GRANTEE:                   Middle Tennessee WIB

ADDRESS:                  621 Mainstream Drive, Suite 210

                             Nashville, TN 37228   

AMOUNT:                    $3,000,000                 

DURATION:                January 5, 2004 - January 5, 2007 (36 months)

POPULATION SERVED:  This project proposes to train approximately 350 incumbent and 50 unemployed workers to fill skills shortage positions identified by the partnered employers in the industries of Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology.  Shortages will be identified through a survey issued to employers and applications by employers to be included in this project.  Successful employer applications will dictate, in part, training to be provided. 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  This project will address the skills shortages of 18 employers (10 of which are small businesses) based on employer applications.  Individual employers can train employees in identified skills shortage occupations under the supervision and funding from the grant managers.  This project will also use accredited universities in the area to provide training to the unemployed workers identified in those skills shortages areas. 

Partners have committed to providing $1,500,000 in match.  Due to the escalating number of companies wishing to participate as partners, actual contributed match is expected to exceed $2,500,000. 

A total of 400 participants will be targeted (approximately 350 incumbent and 50 unemployed).  Of the 400 trainees, it is estimated that 340 trainees will complete training, 221 will receive certificates, degrees or licensures, and approximately 250 will receive salary increases in excess of 10 percent (excluding new hires).  Approximately 35 of the 50 unemployed workers will find employment in the identified high technology occupations upon completion of the training. 

A total of 335 of the 350 planned incumbent workers to be trained have already been evaluated and identified by the partnered employers involved in the grant.  The additional 15 incumbent employees will be identified in much the same way.  The 50 unemployed workers will be identified through the local one-stop centers.  The one-stop will attempt to identify the best candidates through a variety of assessment tools including Self Directed Search, VALPAR System 3000, Career Scope, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and Strong Interest Inventory. 

KEY PARTICIPANTS:  Tennessee Biotechnology Association, Middle Tennessee Biomedical Association, Nashville Technology Council, Center for Information Technology Education of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, Nashville State Technical Community College, and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. 

MEDIA CONTACT:    Christine Bradley

                            (615) 880-2327