White County Jail Partners with Workforce Connections and Orijin to Launch Manufacturing Certification Program

New initiative prepares incarcerated individuals for careers in manufacturing — addressing a growing workforce gap across the Upper Cumberland region.

A new vocational training program is now underway at the White County Jail, offering incarcerated individuals a pathway to meaningful employment in one of the region’s most in-demand industries. The Manufacturing Certification Program, developed by Orijin and launched in partnership with the White County Sheriff’s Office and Workforce Connections, is designed to equip participants with the skills, credentials, and confidence needed to enter the manufacturing workforce upon release.

White County Sheriff Steve Page has been a driving force behind bringing the program to Sparta. The initiative reflects a growing recognition among law enforcement leaders that preparing people for stable employment is one of the most effective tools for reducing recidivism and strengthening communities.

The manufacturing sector is facing a significant talent shortage. Nationally, an estimated 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, and demand has jumped 75% over the past five years. Today, nearly 500,000 manufacturing positions sit open across the country. The Upper Cumberland is not immune to these pressures, making workforce pipelines like this one critically important for local economic health.

The program targets that gap directly. Manufacturing is recognized as particularly well-suited for individuals with justice involvement because of its skills-based hiring practices, competitive wages — typically ranging from $18 to $25 per hour at entry level — and strong presence in rural and suburban communities throughout the region.

Through Orijin’s curriculum, participants receive training across three core manufacturing tracks:

Production & Assembly — including roles such as Production Associate, Assembly Line Worker, Quality Control Inspector, and Machine Operator.

Maintenance & Technical — covering Maintenance Helper, Industrial Maintenance Technician, and Equipment Operator positions.

Specialized Manufacturing — including CNC Machine Operator Trainee, Welding Assistant, and Safety Technician pathways.

The program emphasizes practical, job-ready skills that translate directly to employer needs — not just theoretical knowledge. Participants who complete the program earn a certification recognized by manufacturing employers.

Correctional education programs like this one have demonstrated measurable results nationally. When individuals leave incarceration with marketable skills and a clear employment path, outcomes improve for everyone — for the individuals themselves, for their families, and for the broader community.

Workforce Connections serves as a bridge between this training and the regional labor market, helping to ensure that graduates of the program have access to employer connections and additional workforce support services upon release.

For more information about workforce development programs in the Upper Cumberland, visit ucwork.org.