The Forward Sumner Project
click to download Workforce360
THE FORWARD SUMNER PROJECT is about the future of work, and the dignity of work. The highest goal of economic development is work and work that allows us to care for others. The future of work will require college level training for everyone, be it dual enrollment, industry certifications, work-based learning, technical or community college, and/or university study.
A Workforce Collaborative
Forward Sumner Economic Partnership, local Business and Industry, the Sumner County Mayor’s office, Sumner County Schools (SCS), Volunteer State Community College, TCAT-Portland, and Local Economic Development Officials, along with Regional partners-TNECD, TVA, UT-Center for Industrial Services, Northern Middle TN Workforce Board/Workforce Essentials, Nashville Chamber Research Center, TN Labor and Workforce Development (TLWD), TN Department of Education (Pathways).
The workforce collaborative is developing a Sumner County workforce development data clearinghouse and a roadmap for services.
The sustainability of Economic Development is changing from location, location, location, to workforce, workforce, workforce.
Ongoing Initiatives
ALIGNMENT – K-12 Vocational Education, known as Career & Technical Education (CTE).
8th Grade Career Fair (powered by YouScience), Job Shadow Program with three high schools, High School CTE Pathway Guide; the Forward Sumner CTE Celebration Day, the SCS CTE public-private Advisory Committee, and STEM camps.
PATHWAYS – In 2019 the Sumner County School System received the Tennessee Pathways Certification for ten of the CTE programs including Nursing Services Pathway at Beech, Hendersonville, and Portland high schools; Machining Technology Pathway at Portland HS; Agribusiness Pathway at Hendersonville HS; Entrepreneur Pathway at Merrol Hyde Magnet School; Marketing Pathway at Station Camp HS; Therapeutic Services at White House HS; and Criminal Justice Pathway at Gallatin and Hendersonville HS.
SERVICES – The partners in the workforce collaborative all offer unique and critical services to business, industry, and local communities. The FSEP project will identify the not-for-profit partners that offer assistance to students, adults and dislocated workers. The project will offer a systematic approach to workforce development services and opportunities.