SPARTA, Tenn. — Motlow State Community College’s Sparta site is partnering with RIVET (Rural Investment in Virtual Education and Training) and Upper Cumberland Workforce to host a two-day RIVET Workshop on November 4–5, 2026. The event will introduce community members, educators, workforce professionals, and other interested participants to innovative virtual reality (VR) technology designed to expand career exploration, build practical skills, and strengthen workforce development throughout the Upper Cumberland.
The workshop will run from 8:30 am to 4 pm each day at Motlow State’s Sparta site, located at 603 Roosevelt Drive in Sparta, Tennessee. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience VR headsets and handsets for 4 to 8 minutes that place users in realistic, interactive work environments across more than 300 career pathways.
Through immersive, hands-on simulations, participants can explore a variety of occupations and gain a better understanding of the skills and responsibilities associated with different careers. Featured experiences will include hotel front desk operations, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), city planning, clinical laboratory technology, dental hygiene, cybersecurity, paramedic vital signs, supply chain management and commercial driver’s license (CDL) driving, among many others.
“Career exploration is most meaningful when people have the opportunity to experience what a job actually involves,” said Thomas Turner, Director of Motlow. “This workshop will allow participants to step into virtual work environments, explore careers they may not have previously considered, and discover new possibilities for their future.”
RIVET is a regional workforce initiative developed through Workforce Connections and the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board. In partnership with “Transfr,” the program uses virtual reality technology to provide immersive career exploration and training experiences, helping individuals make more informed decisions about education, training, and employment.
The event also reflects a shared commitment to connecting people with resources and opportunities that support economic mobility and a stronger regional workforce. By bringing together higher education and workforce development partners, the workshop will showcase how emerging technologies can help bridge the gap between career awareness and real-world employment opportunities.
Motlow State’s Sparta site serves White County and the surrounding Upper Cumberland region. The college’s broader workforce development efforts include career training, industry-recognized credentials, and partnerships designed to help individuals prepare for employment and advance professionally.
Community members, students, educators, employers, and local organizations are encouraged to attend, explore the technology firsthand, and share the opportunity with others who may benefit from the experience.
EVENT DETAILS
What: RIVET Workshop — Virtual Reality Career Exploration
When: November 4–5, 2026, from 8:30 am to 4 pm each day
Where: Motlow State Community College, Sparta Site
603 Roosevelt Drive
Sparta, TN 38583
About Motlow State Community College--Motlow State Community College serves students and communities across Middle Tennessee through educational programs, career pathways, workforce training, and community partnerships. Its Sparta site supports educational access and workforce development throughout White County and the Upper Cumberland.
About RIVET--RIVET, or Rural Investment in Virtual Education and Training, is a regional initiative that uses immersive virtual reality technology to provide career exploration and training opportunities. Through its partnership with “Transfr,” RIVET helps participants experience career pathways and connect with resources that can support their next steps toward education and employment.
About Upper Cumberland Workforce--Upper Cumberland Workforce Connections works with employers, job seekers, and community partners to strengthen the regional economy through workforce services, career support, training opportunities, and employment connections.
