Memphis Bioworks Foundation is looking to fill the final 100 spots for its Research and Information Technology Training program, which provides free occupational job training in areas like health information technology and biomedical research for long-term unemployed and under-employed residents of Shelby, Fayette, Haywood and Hardeman counties.
"We're emphasizing the growing demand of these career occupations in Memphis," says Bioworks Director of Workforce Development Pauline Vernon, who works on the project alongside Program Manager Christi Davidson and Talent Acquisition and Development Manager Ann Terry. "With the economic challenges that Memphis has, these are areas where we have an opportunity to improve our economic situation and make an impact with the growth of the local economy. It really is a way to improve our workforce from within."
The program is now entering its final year and has been funded since 2011 by a $3.7 million technical skills training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Bioworks enrolls eligible students in training programs at its partner campuses:
Southwest Tennessee Community College,
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis,
LabFour Career Institute and new partner
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Whiteville.
SeedCo. assists with career preparation and job placement services, and the local
Workforce Investment Network provides outreach, follow-ups and support with job placement activities.
"The grant will leave a lasting impact on the local area," says Vernon, who explains that the goal when the program started in 2011 was to assist 400 people over a four-year span.
Bioworks holds a weekly program overview session that includes its training providers every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
By Michael Waddell
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