RIVET event hosted by Motlow State

Workforce development and access to career training are important parts of building strong communities, especially in rural areas such as the Upper Cumberland. Tennessee’s RIVET program is helping address those needs by connecting residents with career exploration, training opportunities, and support services designed to prepare them for employment.

RIVET stands for Rural Investment in Virtual Education and Training. Workforce Connections and the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board received nearly $1.48 million in grant funding in December 2024 to launch the program. Through a partnership with Transfr, RIVET uses virtual reality technology to give participants an opportunity to experience different careers through realistic, hands-on simulations.

While the program focuses on adults and out-of-school youth ages 18 and older who are seeking employment or looking for a new career direction, students in high school can participate as well. Participants can explore opportunities in fields such as health care, manufacturing, logistics, construction, and so much more. The simulations allow individuals to see what certain jobs involve before deciding whether to pursue additional education or training.

RIVET is also designed to reach individuals who may face additional barriers to employment. These include people experiencing persistent poverty, individuals without a high school diploma, people with disabilities, those recorded in the criminal justice system, and individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

One important part of the program is making career exploration accessible. RIVET plans to make virtual reality equipment available through local libraries, churches, community centers, and various schools, with staff also able to bring the equipment to participants who meet program requirements.

The program goes beyond introducing people to different careers. After exploring an occupation, participants can receive guidance through the American Job Center as they consider training, credentials, or employment opportunities. This connection between career exploration and practical next steps is an important part of helping individuals move toward long-term employment.

"This program is designed to help individuals know what career they would like to pursue", stated Elijah Andrews of the RIVET program.

For the Upper Cumberland, RIVET represents an effort to address workforce needs while giving residents a chance to discover opportunities they may not have previously considered. Employers benefit when more people are prepared to enter in-demand fields, while individuals benefit from having additional resources to help them take the next step.

Although the program’s long-term results will develop as more participants move through training and into employment, its purpose is clear: to make career opportunities more accessible and help strengthen the workforce throughout the region.

On November 4 and 5, Motlow State hosted a RIVET event allowing opportunities for students to experience this new technology of finding the right career path. With Motlow's dedication to education, this event was a perfect pairing of resources for students and residents alike. 

Higher education plays an important role in building stronger communities, and Motlow State Community College continues to provide valuable opportunities for students in Sparta and throughout the Upper Cumberland.

Motlow State Community College, with its instructional site in Sparta, offers students the opportunity to pursue higher education close to home. As part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system, Motlow provides affordable educational pathways designed to help students prepare for successful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and achieve their personal goals.

One of the greatest benefits of having Motlow in the Sparta community is the accessibility it provides. Students can work toward their educational goals without necessarily having to travel long distances or leave their families and communities. This is especially important for working adults, recent high school graduates, and individuals looking to begin a new career.

Motlow's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Community colleges serve as an important connection between education and the workforce, helping prepare individuals for employment opportunities while supporting the economic growth of surrounding communities.

"We have managerial courses to help people prepare for leadership and promotion, if they need the training certificates at their jobs", said Thomas Turner, the site director of the Sparta campus. 

The Sparta instructional site also represents an investment in the future of local students and families. By making educational opportunities more accessible, Motlow helps open doors for individuals who may otherwise find pursuing a college education difficult.

As Sparta and the surrounding communities continue to grow and change, Motlow State Community College remains an important educational resource. Its presence reminds residents that opportunities for learning, advancement, and a brighter future are available right here at home.

Residents interested in learning more about RIVET can contact the Upper Cumberland Workforce team at 931-520-9538. For more information about Motlow State, visit motlow.edu/sparta or call 931-837-3341.