Pellissippi State Community College offers free job training to those affected by COVID-19

Over a dozen local businesses have committed to a partnership with Pellissippi State Community College on a program called Reimagine Your Career. The program is free to participants, made possible by a federal grant through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). A news release about the program states that to be eligible, one must have experienced job loss or a reduction in hours due to COVID-19 at any point since March of 2020. The program consists of two parts and upon completion of all required coursework in one of the four career tracks offered, participants are guaranteed an interview with one of the partnering businesses.

The Reimagine Your Career program is a non-credit program that provides participants with training in Customer Service, Information Technology, and two options for manufacturing: Production Technician and Logistics Technician. Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development at PSCC, Teri Brahams, explained the logic behind the choice of career tracks offered. "This is a great opportunity for both the individuals in our community that were impacted negatively from the pandemic and for the businesses that make up our local economy. There are people who are seeking a meaningful career path and financial stability, and there are businesses that need people with certain skill sets to fill their open positions. It's a win-win situation we're helping provide," Brahams noted in the news release.

The first stage of the training focuses on foundations that build the skills the majority of local employers say they are looking for, no matter what the career path. In the first stage, participants will attend 36 hours of training that develops skills like problem solving, communication, and basic computer and math skills. 

The second portion of the training will provide industry-specific credentials, including visits from employers to talk more about what the open positions will entail, and will require anywhere from 36-140 hours of training, depending on the career track chosen. Those enrolled can choose from a variety of sessions offered, all of which meet two times per week. The college ensures that upon program completion, participants will get at least one interview with local business partners, although it is also clear that a job offer is not guaranteed and interviewees may be subject to background checks or other eligibility requirements.