JACKSON, Tennessee — The Greater Jackson Chamber, in partnership with the Madison County Government, has been awarded a $187,500 Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in identifying childcare gaps and implementing strategies to increase the number of available childcare slots.
“In Madison County, there are over 13,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector, and often, a lack of available childcare is mentioned as a barrier to employment,” said Kyle Spurgeon, President & CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber. “Industry cannot be successful without an available workforce. Because TVA also recognizes the clear link between childcare, employment and industry growth, we are thankful for their investment in our community’s planning efforts with the TVA Workforce Invest Grant.”
In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, TVA, along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs.
The Countywide Childcare Assessment & Implementation Project aims to complete a comprehensive childcare assessment to understand the current childcare availability, affordability and accessibility, along with gaps in service. Third-party interviews with existing providers, working parents, national providers, businesses and industries will help provide the roadmap for the comprehensive report.
Once completed, the implementation strategies will include increasing childcare slots for a growing population, collaborating with higher education partners for credentialing and certifications to support existing childcare providers and conducting a regulatory review.
“Accessible childcare is a fundamental component of workforce participation,” said Madison County Mayor AJ Massey. “This project is a partnership with a host of local community leaders, including the Madison County Children’s Cabinet, local manufacturing companies such as Kellanova and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee, as well as West Tennessee Healthcare. Together, we’re identifying where the greatest needs exist and developing real solutions that allow more parents to enter and remain in the workforce — ultimately strengthening our economy and our families.”
The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands.
“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also fulfilling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA.
“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors.
Over the last four years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 40 communities with a combined investment of $6 million.
