Introducing RIVET!
We have some incredible news to share as we move into the new year!
Workforce Connections and the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board have received $1.48 million to bring career education and training to the Upper Cumberland communities. With this grant funding, we are launching a new workforce program, called RIVET. RIVET stands for Rural Investment in Virtual Education and Training. The RIVET program is partnering with Transfr to utilize cutting-edge VR technology to offer career exploration and training to Upper Cumberland's untapped or underemployed workforce.
Rivet Kick-Off Event
On December 10, 2024, Workforce Connections celebrated the kick-off of the RIVET program alongside Labor and Workforce representatives, local and state representatives, Board members, and countless community partners. At the event, we heard from the Board Chairman, Bob Young, and the Putnam County Mayor, Randy Porter, along with Workforce Commissioner Deniece Thomas, and our very own Executive Director, Becky Hull.
The Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development showed her support for the RIVET Program and commended our region's proactive and innovative approach to workforce development. She described the new program as revolutionary and stated that it would act as a leading example for the other regional workforce boards.
The RIVET Program technology provider, Transfr, flew representatives in from various states across the nation for the event. The team provided interactive demonstrations using the VR headset to explore different career paths and their common job tasks. The RIVET program prioritizes showcasing in-demand jobs. The team showed the responsibilities of a construction worker on a site re-constructing a bridge (seen in the picture below) as well as a surgeon performing a knee surgery on a patient.
Our local officials and community representatives had the opportunity to participate in the VR's interactive career exploration. Mayor Randy Porter (seen in the picture to the right) enjoyed the activity along with our Chairman, Commissioner, and other event attendees.
More about the RIVET program:
A Program for Rural Investment in Virtual Education and Training
“Project RIVET seeks to serve adults and out-of-school youth (ages 18+) in the region seeking jobs aligned with Good Jobs Principles- including new workforce entrants, dislocated workers, and incumbent workers. The program provides specific wrap-around support to serve individuals in persistent poverty, those without a high school diploma, those with disabilities, those who are justice-impacted, and those with substance abuse disorder." The program utilizes virtual reality technology to recruit enrollment and simulate what it's like working in multiple industries such as health care, manufacturing, logistics, and construction.
“The Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board proposes RIVET as a mobile workforce training solution due to many job seekers facing homelessness and lacking a personal computer... As a result, RIVET program coordinators will host local training events at access points within each county at public locations: community centers, churches, and libraries. Additionally, program coordinators will personally connect with individuals seeking jobs who have previously participated in workforce or social services programs through the board or participating agencies. Child care and transportation can be provided to those who need it to attend the programming, and a stipend will be provided to those WIOA-eligible who require additional services. American Job Center personnel will follow up with program participants through phone calls or texts and meet those individuals closer to home for future employment-related appointments."
The RIVET program's primary purpose is to meet the untapped workforce where they are and demonstrate the reality of working in various industries through VR technology and career exploration with the end goal of connecting users with job opportunities. RIVET will be the most successful and effective working in stride with the American Job Center to serve job-seekers as well as local businesses to identify real-world job opportunities in our area.
If you are interested in getting involved with or supporting the RIVET program, please reach out to our team! The opportunities to engage with RIVET are not confined to a specific population or situation. We would love to meet with you, discuss the program, and see how it could serve your needs.
