RIVET: Now Onboarding Participants!

Here in the Upper Cumberland, we’re always looking for creative ways to reach our community and meet people where they’re at. That’s why the launch of the RIVET Program—Rural Investment in Virtual Education and Training—is so exciting to us.

Back in December 2024, Workforce Connections and the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board received a nearly $1.48 million grant to bring RIVET to life. The goal? To offer immersive career exploration and training using cutting-edge virtual reality tech provided by Transfr.

Through VR, RIVET allows adults and out-of-school youth (18+)—including those facing persistent poverty, lacking a high school diploma, living with disabilities, justice-impacted, or recovering from substance use—to experience what it’s like to work in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and construction. These realistic, hands-on simulations help individuals make more informed and confident decisions about their future.

While we wait for the full rollout of our virtual reality tools, we’re already enrolling participants into the program. We’re focused on building connections, understanding individual needs, and getting folks started on the path toward opportunity.

And RIVET is designed to be accessible. Equipment will be available at local libraries, churches, and community centers—and our team can even bring it to you. We offer support like transportation assistance, childcare help, and stipends when needed. Once you explore a career path through RIVET, our team at the American Job Center is ready to guide you into next steps for training or employment.

Know someone who might benefit from this?

Share this with them—or reach out to our RIVET Coordinator, Kora Sloan, for more information:

Call Us: 931-520-9538

Email Kora: ksloan@ucworkforce.org